melanóma

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It is considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it has a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.

The majority of melanomas appear as new moles or changes in existing moles. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for identifying suspicious moles: A for asymmetry, where one half of the mole does not match the other; B for border, where the edges are irregular, notched, or blurred; C for color, where the color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue; D for diameter, where the mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller; and E for evolving, meaning the mole looks different from others or is changing in size, shape, or color.

Risk factors for melanoma include excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, a history of sunburns, having many moles or atypical moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, fair skin, and a weakened immune system.

Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Regular self-examination of the skin and professional skin checks by a dermatologist can help identify melanoma in its early stages. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the melanoma. For more advanced cases, other treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy may be used. Prevention strategies focus on sun protection, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.