![]() Having more than 50 moles indicates an increased risk in melanoma might arise. People with dysplastic nevus syndrome, also known as familial atypical multiple mole melanoma, are at increased risk for the development of melanoma. mouth, soles of feet, palms of hands, genital areas). Melanoma can also occur in skin areas with little sun exposure (i.e. Melanomas are usually caused by DNA damage resulting from exposure to UV light from the sun. It can also spread to the liver, bones, abdomen, or distant lymph nodes. Brain metastases are particularly common in patients with metastatic melanoma. Metastasis (spread) of early melanoma is possible, but relatively rare less than a fifth of melanomas diagnosed early become metastatic. Metastatic melanoma may cause nonspecific paraneoplastic symptoms, including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. This classification does not apply to nodular melanoma, which has its own classifications: Diameter (greater than 6 mm (0.24 in), about the size of a pencil eraser).Borders (irregular with edges and corners).Early signs of melanoma are summarized by the mnemonic "ABCDEF": At later stages, the mole may itch, ulcerate, or bleed. Signs and symptoms Įarly signs of melanoma are changes to the shape or color of existing moles or, in the case of nodular melanoma, the appearance of a new lump anywhere on the skin. Melanoma has become more common since the 1960s in areas mostly populated by people of European descent. In the United States, melanoma occurs about 1.6 times more often in men than women. High rates also occur in Northern Europe and North America, while it is less common in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. In 2015, 3.1 million people had active disease, which resulted in 59,800 deaths. Globally, in 2012, it newly occurred in 232,000 people. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. The likelihood that melanoma will reoccur or spread depends on its thickness, how fast the cells are dividing, and whether or not the overlying skin has broken down. ![]() With treatment, the five-year survival rates in the United States are 99% among those with localized disease, 65% when the disease has spread to lymph nodes, and 25% among those with distant spread. For those in whom melanoma has spread, immunotherapy, biologic therapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may improve survival. Most people are cured if spread has not occurred. In those with slightly larger cancers, nearby lymph nodes may be tested for spread ( metastasis). Treatment is typically removal by surgery. Using sunscreen and avoiding UV light may prevent melanoma. Diagnosis is by biopsy and analysis of any skin lesion that has signs of being potentially cancerous. A number of rare genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, also increase the risk. Those with many moles, a history of affected family members, and poor immune function are at greater risk. The UV light may be from the sun or other sources, such as tanning devices. The primary cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light (UV) exposure in those with low levels of the skin pigment melanin. Changes in a mole that can indicate melanoma include an increase in size, irregular edges, change in color, itchiness, or skin breakdown. About 25% of melanomas develop from moles. In women, they most commonly occur on the legs, while in men, they most commonly occur on the back. Melanomas typically occur in the skin, but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines, or eye ( uveal melanoma). Melanoma, also redundantly known as malignant melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Seborrheic keratosis, lentigo, blue nevus, dermatofibroma įive-year survival rates in US 99% (localized), 25% (disseminated) Ultraviolet light (Sun, tanning devices) įamily history, many moles, poor immune function Mole that is increasing in size, has irregular edges, change in color, itchiness, or skin breakdown.
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