Some types of melanoma
Doctors distinguish several types of this malignant tumor.
- Superficial melanoma is one of the mostcommon types of this type of skin cancer. It is located in the upper layers of the skin, and its surface is only slightly raised above the surface of healthy skin. This melanoma is not easily distinguished from a common mole.
- Nodular melanoma. This species occurs in 25% of all patients with this disease. This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It represents dark-colored nodules of various sizes, which are raised very markedly above the surface of the skin.
- Melanoma Lentigo is located on the neck and head of the elderly. The surface of this type of tumor is not very elevated above the surface of the skin.
- Subungual melanoma occurs in every tenth case. Often such a malignant formation is located under the toenails of the toes.
What are the causes of skin melanoma?
- Long exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sun tanning, solarium).
- Radioactive radiation.
- Long-term thermal impact.
- Frequent contact with arsenic, tar, soot, tar.
How to identify melanoma at an early stage
- Change in size of mole - rapid growth- the most common symptom. Particular attention should be paid to moles larger than 7 mm in diameter. When a new mole appears and begins to grow rapidly or an old mole suddenly begins to grow, this is an alarming symptom.
- Change in the shape and color of the nevus, changecontour line of an old mole - very dangerous symptoms. Dark brown and black moles are especially suspicious. An uneven color of a mole should also be a warning sign.
- The disappearance of hair from the nevus. Hair growing from a mole is a sign of its good quality. If the hair begins to fall out of her, this may indicate a malignant nevus.
- The appearance of itching in the area of the birthmark or other unpleasant sensations.
- Bleeding, moist discharge from the mole and the appearance of an inflammatory zone along the edge of the pigmented formation.
When diagnosing melanoma, it is important to keep in mind thatIn men, this tumor is often found on the back, and in women on the shin. Despite this, the entire body should be checked, including the scalp, as well as the fingernails and toenails (sometimes this malignant tumor looks like a black spot under the nail).
What to do with a dangerous mole?
If you find moles thatcorrespond to at least one and especially several of the above symptoms, you should immediately contact a dermatologist. Dangerous moles are subject to removal and subsequent histological examination. It will be better if you get rid of moles that are located in places of constant trauma (for example, a bra strap, a trouser belt, etc.). Since damage to moles often leads to their transformation into a tumor.
Measures to prevent this disease
You are at risk if you have had any history offrequently got sunburned. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main factors in the development of this type of cancer. Therefore, if you have a large number of moles on your body, you should refrain from sunbathing on the beach and solarium. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, protect exposed areas of skin from direct sunlight with clothing and sunscreen. It is necessary to study all the main signs of diseases and be sure to consult a doctor if you are at risk. Make sure you understand well what melanoma looks like and how to distinguish it from a simple healthy mole. Regularly inspect the entire surface of your skin. Your friend or relative should check your scalp and back. Skin cancer treatment and its effectiveness depend on the stage of its development at which you consult a doctor. The sooner you do this, the greater the chances of a complete recovery. When skin cancer is diagnosed, surgical removal of the malignant tumor is performed. As a rule, surgery does not pose a danger to the patient and, in the absence of metastases, leads to a complete recovery.
