Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a serious form of skin cancer originating in pigment-producing cells. Though less common than other skin cancers, it accounts for a large majority of skin cancer deaths. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, making awareness of its characteristics and risk factors important for proactive skin health.
What is Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Skin cutaneous melanoma develops from melanocytes, specialized cells in the top layer of the skin (epidermis) that produce melanin, the pigment for skin, hair, and eye color. Unlike common skin cancers like basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma tends to spread rapidly if not identified and treated early. This potential for metastasis makes it concerning. The disease often begins as a new spot or a change in an existing mole.
Recognizing Melanoma Signs
Early detection of melanoma involves identifying changes in your skin. The “ABCDE” rule helps evaluate moles and skin lesions:
Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other.
Border irregularity: Edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color variation: Color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, tan, white, red, or blue.
Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed.
Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting appear.
Factors Increasing Melanoma Risk
Several factors increase melanoma risk. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from natural sunlight or artificial sources, is a primary contributor. A history of severe, blistering sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly elevates this risk.
Individuals with many moles (more than 50) or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) have a higher predisposition. Fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes, associated with lower melanin production, also increase susceptibility.
A family history of melanoma indicates a genetic component, increasing risk for those with a close relative who has had it. A weakened immune system, due to medical conditions or medications, can reduce the body’s ability to fight cancerous cells, increasing melanoma risk.
Diagnosing and Treating Melanoma
When melanoma is suspected, a medical professional performs a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of the suspicious lesion is removed for microscopic examination by a pathologist. If confirmed, further tests determine the cancer’s stage, indicating its depth and spread.
Treatment varies based on the cancer’s stage and characteristics. For early-stage melanoma, surgical removal of the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue is the primary treatment. More advanced cases may require additional therapies.
Immunotherapy, which helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells, and targeted therapy, focusing on specific genetic mutations, are common treatments for advanced melanoma. Radiation therapy may destroy cancer cells or relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy, less common for melanoma, might be considered in certain situations.
Protecting Against Melanoma
Proactive measures can significantly reduce melanoma risk. Sun protection strategies include:
Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applied generously and reapplied every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats.
Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps.
Performing regular self-skin exams and professional skin checks by a dermatologist for early detection.