Fortunately, malignant melanoma is an uncommon form of skin cancer. It arises, usually painlessly, from a cell that produces pigment. Over two-thirds of malignant melanomas arise from normal appearing skin. About one-third develop from an existing mole. When the melanoma first develops, it is localized to the area where it originated. At this stage there is a better chance of treating it effectively. However, if the cancer is left to grow, it spreads to lymph nodes and other areas of the body, such as the liver, the lungs or the brain. There has been a marked increase in the incidence of malignant melanoma over the last several decades. Fair skinned people are at the most risk.
Causes of Melanoma
Melanomas develop from the malignant transformation of one of the melanin producing cells. The production of the pigment gives these tumors their unusual colors. However, some of these, amelanotic melanomas, may have no color associated with them. The tumors develop locally and then spread through the skin the lymphatic system to various other areas of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma
There are several forms of melanoma, and they have slightly different symptoms. Superficial spreading melanoma accounts for over two-thirds of all cases. Persons of any age can be affected. There are usually small lesions with irregular border. The color of the lesions can range from red to white to blue or blue-black. They occur most commonly on the trunk or on the arms and legs. Nodular melanoma may develop anywhere on the skin. It occurs most commonly between 20 and 70 years of age. Nodular melanoma forms shiny, firm pearl to black lumps. These lumps may develop ulcers that fail to heal. Acral lentiginous melanoma produces dark lesions that occur most frequently on the hands, feet and mucous membranes. They form only about 10 of all melanomas, and are more commonly seen in old age. Finally, Lentigo maligna melanoma accounts for about 5% of the cases of melanoma. It forms a large brown spot with black or dark brown speckles. It often occurs in older people, especially in sun exposed areas.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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