11/06/2021
M E L A N O M A is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in cells known as melanocytes. Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.
Melanoma is tumour caused by uncontrolled growth of melanocytes.
Melanocytes, are skin cells found in the upper layer of skin. They produce a pigment known as melanin, which gives skin its color. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. When skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, it causes skin damage that triggers the melanocytes to produce more melanin, but only the eumelanin pigment attempts to protect the skin by causing the skin to darken or tan.
Melanoma is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage.
Melanoma begins to develop when DNA damage from burning or tanning due to UV radiation trigger changes (mutations) in melanocytes, resulting in uncontrolled cellular growth.
UV radiation from the sun and other sources can harm your skin permanently, regardless of your skin type. This means that skin cancer can affect persons of any ethnic background, even individuals who never tan or rarely burn.
How is melanoma diagnosed?
To identify unusual moles, it is important to know their basic characteristics. The most prominent features of the moles that may eventually develop into melanoma include:
- Asymmetric or one side different from other
- Border is Irregular
- Colour is mixed / Uneven distribution of colors
- Diameter larger than 6 millimeters
- Evolving gradually (changes in shape, size, or color)
How to prevent melanoma?
- Protect your skin from sun ☀️
- Do self check regularly 🔎
- Get a professional check yearly 🕵️♀️ or if anything suspicious pop in between
PS: It's also important to check for any suspicious lessons before undergoing laser or IPL treatments, as the colour of the lesions may change after treatment, delaying diagnosis.
Swipe to next 👉🏻 image to see ABCDE’s of melanoma