Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.
Signs and symptoms of melanomaThe most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
This can happen anywhere on the body, but the most commonly affected areas are the back in men and the legs in women.
Melanomas are uncommon in areas that are protected from sun exposure, such as the buttocks and the scalp.
In most cases, melanomas have an irregular shape and are more than 1 colour.
The mole may also be larger than normal and can sometimes be itchy or bleed.
Look out for a mole that gradually changes shape, size or colour.
Types of melanomaSuperficial spreading melanomaSuperficial spreading melanoma are the most common type of melanoma in the UK.
They’re more common in people with pale skin and freckles, and much less common in people with darker skin.
They initially tend to grow outwards rather than downwards, so they do not pose a problem.
But if they grow downwards into the deeper layers of skin, they can spread to other parts of the body.
You should see a GP if you have a mole that’s getting bigger, particularly if it has an irregular edge.
Nodular melanomaNodular melanomas are a faster-developing type of melanoma that can quickly grow downwards into the deeper layers of skin if not removed.
Nodular melanomas usually appear as a changing lump on the skin that might be black to red in colour.
They often grow on previously normal skin and most commonly grow on the head and neck, chest or back.
Bleeding or oozing is a common symptom.
Lentigo maligna melanomaLentigo maligna melanomas most commonly affect older people, particularly those who have spent a lot of time outdoors. They develop slowly over several years and appear in areas that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face.
They develop slowly over several years and appear in areas that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face.
To start with, lentigo maligna melanomas are flat and develop sideways in the surface layers of skin.
They look like a freckle, but they’re usually larger, darker and stand out more than a normal freckle.
They can gradually get bigger and may change shape.
At a later stage, they may grow downwards into the deeper layers of skin and can form lumps (nodules).
Acral lentiginous melanomaAcral lentiginous melanomas are a rare type of melanoma that usually grow on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
They can also sometimes develop around a nail, most commonly the thumbnail or big toenail.
Acral lentiginous melanomas are the most common type of melanoma in people with dark skin, but they can happen in people with any skin colour.
Amelanotic melanomaAmelanotic melanomas have little or no colour, but may occasionally be pink or red, or have light brown or grey edges.
Cancer Research UK has more information about the different types of melanoma.
What causes melanoma?Melanoma is caused by skin cells that begin to develop abnormally.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is thought to cause most melanomas, but there’s evidence to suggest that some may result from sunbed exposure.
The type of sun exposure that causes melanoma is sudden intense exposure. For example, while on holiday, which leads to sunburn.
Certain things can increase your chance of developing melanoma, such as having:
- lots of moles or freckles
- pale skin that burns easily
- red or blonde hair
- a close family member who’s had melanoma
Read more about the causes of melanoma.
Who’s affectedMelanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. Around 16, 000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year.
More than 1 in 4 skin cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50, which is unusually early compared with most other types of cancer.
Over recent years, skin cancer has become much more common in the UK. This is thought to be the result of increased exposure to intense sunlight while on holiday abroad.
More than 2, 300 people die every year in the UK from melanoma.
Find more information : سرطان الجلد : اعراضه والوقاية منه وكيفية علاجه
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