Melanoma Cancer

Melanoma cancer is a type of skin cancer that affects about 5% of people diagnosed with skin cancer. Melanoma is responsible for over 75% of all skin cancer related deaths every year. Melanoma can be prevented by lowering exposure to risk factors such as exposure to Ultraviolet or UV radiation. Overexposure to UV radiation is the major cause of skin cancer.

UV radiation directly or indirectly damages the DNA. Sunlight is a source of UV radiation and it usually at its peak between 10 am and 4 p.m. If you can limit or avoid the sunlight at these peak hours, you can lower the risk of this type of cancer. Wearing sunscreen is also an effective way of lowering the risk of developing melanoma cancer. Other sources of UV radiation are tanning beds and lamps.

One major symptom of all skin cancers including melanoma is changes in the skin. Other signs of skin cancer are discolored skin and ulcering in the skin. Visual appearance or use of a dermatoscope are used in the clinical diagnosis of all skin cancers and a skin biopsy is later used to confirm the results.

Treatment of skin cancer depends on the type and the location of the cancer. Other factors include the age of the patient and if the cancer is primary or recurrence. Radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy and cryotherapy are used in the treatment of all skin cancers. Melanoma cancer can be easily treated if detected early and therefore unusual spots in the skin should be immediately examined by a physician.