Overview of Melanoma
Melanoma, also called Cancerous Moles, refers to a type of cancer that affects the skin cells. The skin is composed of several pigment cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, which is responsible for how dark a person’s skin is. This skin cancer starts in the melanocytes, where it alters the cell’s activities and causes an abnormal replication of cancerous cells.
There are many types of skin cancers besides melanoma that affect people. Among them, melanoma is the most difficult to deal with [1]. One reason for this is that the risk of the cancer spreading is much higher in melanoma cases.
Anyone can develop this type of skin cancer, but it is more common in people with fair skin. It is relatively rare in dark-skinned people. Other risk factors for melanoma include a family history of the disease, light hair, and overexposure to sunlight. While it can affect any part of the body with melanocytes, melanoma is more common in certain areas. The legs are more prone to melanoma, while the chest and back are the most frequently attacked in men. It also often starts on the face. In rare cases, it affects other organs apart from the skin.
Because melanoma is a cancer of the skin, people may have more luck detecting it early compared to other types of cancers. Early diagnosis and treatments are critical in dealing with this cancer because of its malignancy. It is important to pay attention to dermal changes if the disease is to be found early. This article explains common symptoms that indicate you might have melanoma.