MALIGNANT MELANOMA SKIN CANCER

Melanoma is when there is abnormal growth of the pigment producing cells of the skin, leading to skin cancer. These cells are referred to as melanocytes (because they produce melanin, the pigment of the skin) and also nevus cells. These cells reside in the bottom layer of the epidermis, neighbouring the basal cells. Similar causes and treatments as with the other skin cancer types, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); HOWEVER, Melanoma is much more severe, and often causes death due to its high malignant and metastatic potential. ANY suspicious lesion/mole should be seen be a physician as soon as possible!!!

Risk Factors for Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer

• Referred to as a neoplasm (new growth) of melanocytes

• Affects 1% of the population, so is faily common

• More common:

  • in people with many moles

  • light skinned individuals who also have light hair (e.g. blonde)

  • elderly or over 50

  • sun tanners + tanning salon customers

  • family history of melanoma - genetics predispose individuals

• Causes of Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer

• Sun Exposure/UV radiation, UVB, high energy sun rays, that alter the genetic make-up of the melanocyte cells, causing them to grow abnormally and more rapidly

• Can also be caused by mutagens, such as heavy metal exposure (e.g. arsenic) and tar

  WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

  the ABCDE's of MELANOMA SKIN CANCER

  • A - asymmetry of mole

  • B - border irregularity

  • C - colour varied

  • D - diameter - greater than 6 mm

  • E - evolving lesion - changing shape/growth

  • lesions appear as common or abnormal moles, therefore, it is important to differentiate and treat as early as possible before the cancer as metastasized, to other organs, such as the brain

  WHERE TO LOOK FOR/COMMON SITES of MELANOMA SKIN CANCER:

  • can be found anywhere

  • more common in sun exposed areas

  • very common on the back and calves, areas usually neglected by people, allowing the lesions to grow unchecked

  • other forms can affect the eyes, CNS (brain), mucous membranes, such as the vagina

  Different Types of Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer

  • Superficial spreading melanoma (70%)

  • Nodular melanoma (25%)

  • Lentigo maligna melanoma (10%)

  • Acrolentiginous melanoma (<5%)

  Treatments for Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer

  • biopsy lesion as soon as possible if suspicious

  • surgical excision of lesion - must remove part of dermis also, may lead to scarring

  • lymph nodes should be checked for cancer spread - may have to remove nodes if infected - a large survival advantage when done

  • chemotherapy - if spread, such as cis-platinum and interferon

  • radiotherapy - also if spread and for palliative purposes if spread to the brain