by Sam Ramsay

Created on: June 25, 2008

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, which are mostly in the skin. It often starts as a mole or colored spot, but may rapidly spread to surrounding skin and other organs. Melanoma accounts for only one or two per cent of all forms of skin cancer, but is most likely to be fatal.
Nearly 160000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed each year worldwide, and according to the WHO, 48,000 deaths associated with melanoma occur each year worldwide.

Skin cells called melanocytes provide the brown tan that results after spending time in the sun. Melanoma always begins in one of these cells.

There are four types of melanoma, depending on their location, shape, and if they grow outward or downward in the skin.

1 Superficial (or flat): Grows flat on the skin at first, with irregular patterns and colors
2 - Nodular: Is often irregular, lumpy and blue-black. It can grow faster and spread down in the skin.
3 - Acral melanoma: Starts on the palm of your hands, feet or nailbeds.
4 - Lentigo maligna: usually develops on the face of the older people.

Some moles are more risky than others. Dysplastic nevi are moles that are abnormal in any way and may pose the risks of developing into a melanoma. The way to recognize dysplastic nevi as easy as ABCDE:

Asymmetry: the mole is not round, but curiously shaped, or elongated
Border: the border is not regular and the edges fade into the skin
Color: different colors, including white, blue, red, or (mostly) black
Diameter: larger than the size of a pencil eraser
Elevation: raised above the surface of the skin

Surgery is the first treatment at all stages of melanoma. The tumor is removed, and some surrounding tissue (usually about inch all around). The surgery can be performed by a surgeon or a dermatologist, and sometimes in the process of diagnosis.

The best protection against this disease is to stay away from the sun between 10am and 4pm, especially children. During this time seek the shade, wear wide-brimmed had and wear long-sleeved clothing. Use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum (minimum FPS 15) and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or exercising.

Some Israeli scientists developed a way to vaccinate against melanoma. It is prepared by removing cells from the melanoma itself. It is designed to prevent the recurrence of the melanoma and to increase the chances of survival for the present sufferers. It's comforting to know that there is now hope to combat this terrible disease.

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