Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of cancer is not known. The melanocytes undergo an uncontrolled and abnormal proliferation. Genetic predisposition is one of the major causes. Hereditary plays a major role. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation leading to sunburn also triggers cancerous condition of the skin. Atypical moles can be precursor of melanoma, the more the number of melanomas the greater is the risk of developing cancer. People with weak immune system (e.g.: suffering from HIV) are more prone for skin cancer.
Clinical presentation:
Melonams can occur anywhere on the body but the commonest site of affection in females is leg while that in males is back region. The skin lesion in melanoma often resembles moles. Appearance of new lump or changes in the existing moles is the warning signs. The patient complaints of some unusual growth on the skin. Asymmetrical growth, uneven borders, lesions with variety of colors (tan, brown, black) and large diameters are the characteristic features of the skin lesions in melanomas. Gradually severe itching, oozing of blood can be seen. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue and weight loss are other associated symptoms .Metastasis to the brain, liver, lymph nodes, abdomen are seen.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the dermatologist. Head to toe examination is carried out. Biopsy is the diagnostic test for skin cancer. Certain other investigations like routine blood test and sentinel node biopsy can be done. X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET and PET/CTs, ultrasound, LDH testing and photo acoustic detection are other test indicated.
Treatment:
If detected and treated in early cases melanoma is always curable. Surgical excision of the melanomas is the first line of treatment. Mohs micrographic surgery is the effective surgical treatment adopted recently. After surgical intervention radiation therapy is used. Various chemotherapic and immunotherapy agents are administered. Avoid tanning and over use of tanning beds, Measures should be adopted to prevent excess exposure to UV rays. E.g.: use of long sleeved clothes, sunglasses. Apply sunscreen 30 min prior moving out.
Recent updates:
Research study conducted by investigators in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center have put forth that Fashion trends and socioeconomic factors played a major role in the rise of melanoma cases over the past century.
New drug molecule PV10 is undergoing clinical trials for its efficacy and use in treatment of melanomas.
