Stepping outside without sunscreen for a few minutes might seem harmless, but the damage adds up: UV rays are linked to 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanomas. Melanoma accounts for only 4 to 5 percent of skin cancer cases, but it is responsible for most skin cancer-related deaths.
When detected and treated in its earliest stages, however, melanoma is often curable. The key is to avoid overexposure to UV rays – by limiting time outdoors during the peak hours of sunlight and wearing sun-protective clothing and sunscreen – and to be on the lookout for changes in moles and other blemishes that can be an early sign of the disease.
The risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40, especially women. Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer can help ensure that cancerous changes are detected early and treated.
What is Melanoma and what are the risks?
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its color. The exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds increases your risk of developing melanoma. Limiting your exposure to UV radiation can help reduce your risk of melanoma.
What are the Symptoms?
Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body. They most often develop in areas that have had exposure to the sun or melanoma can occur in areas that don't receive much sun exposure,
What are the characteristics of normal moles? Mole is uniform color — such as tan, brown or black — with a distinct border separating the mole from your surrounding skin. They're oval or round and usually smaller than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) in diameter — the size of a pencil eraser.
Characteristics of unusual moles: Asymmetrical shape, Irregular border, Changes in color, Increase in diameter, changing over time
What are the treatment options?
Treatment for early-stage melanomas usually includes surgery to remove the melanoma.
Treating melanomas that have spread beyond the skin: surgery, chemotherapy, biological therapy, targeted therapy, and advanced radiation therapy, like the Elekta Infinity Linear Accelerator, at the Corpus Christi Cancer Center.
Visual of Elekta Rad Equipment (Radiation Therapy)
When should you see a doctor?
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any skin changes that seem unusual. Being able to identify a problem early could save your life.
By: Roland Rodriguez (KRIS TV).
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Research Unit, Flagship Records.
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