Melanoma cancer continues to be a life-threatening problem in every corner of the globe. Approximately 57180 men and 42600 women are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma. Alternatively, around 7650 individuals will succumb to melanoma. Healthcare providers assert that Chevy Chase melanoma has become a common trend among individuals in the region. The severity of the disease makes it critical for you to look for medical screening to avoid facing the consequences. Here are things you should know about Melanoma cancer.

  1.     What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of cancer, meaning black tumor that is more hazardous than other types. It grows faster and can transmit to any organ. Melanoma originates from skin cells known as melanocytes, whereby these cells yield melanin, a dark pigment that gives the skin its color.

  1.     Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma

If you are aware of how to detect melanoma is integral as the earlier you detect them, the more treatable they are. Signs of this type of cancer follow the ABCDE rule.

  •         Asymmetry: one-half dos not typically equal the other half
  •         Border: the edges of the type are not smoother
  •         Color: usually, the colors are uneven and blotchy, having shades of black, gray, or red
  •         Diameter: the spot of the melanoma is more than the tip of a pencil eraser
  •         Evolving: the spot keeps on changing the size, color, and shape
  1.     Causes of Melanoma

Most technicians say that a person is at greater risk of getting melanoma if exposed to sunlight. Even though everybody can develop melanoma; you are vulnerable if you have:

  •         Family history of melanoma
  •         Personal history of melanoma
  •         Weak Immune system
  •         Excessive exposure to sunlight
  •         Fair skin, blonds, and freckles
  •         Tanning history of bed use
  1.     Stages of Melanoma

Melanoma cancer is clustered into the below phases or stages.

  •         Stage 0: during this stage, the problem is only in your layer of skin
  •         Stage I: it refers to the low-risk primary melanoma with chances of spreading
  •         Stage II: characteristics are visible, indicating an increased possibility of recurrence
  •         Stage III: During this stage, cancer has transmitted to surrounding lymph nodes or skins
  •         Stage IV: the stages show that cancer has spread to numerous distant lymph skin or nodes.
  1.     Treatment of Melanoma

The treatment of melanoma depends on your stage and entire health. You will be recommended for surgery as it has become the most commonly used. This process comprises cutting out cancer and various common skin around it.

More advanced treatment apart from surgery includes:

  1.           Lymphadenectomy: if your melanoma is spread, lymph nodes around the primary diagnosis
  2.           Metastasectomy: it is applied to remove small melanoma bits from an organ.

iii.            Radiation therapy: it comprises treatments that have high-energy rays essential in threatening cancer cells

  1.           Target cancer therapy: drugs are applied to threaten and attack given cancer cells.
  2.     Prevention of Melanoma

The following are some strategies you can use to reduce the vulnerability of melanoma.

  •         Stay away from excessive sunlight
  •         Avoid using tanning beds
  •         Apply a lip balm with sunscreen
  •         Utilize broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a skin protection factor

 

It is integral to go for screening and treatment early to receive treatment avoiding massive damage such as death. Dermatologist Ali Hendi, MD, found in Chevy Chase, is certified and experienced and offers a modernized method in detecting and offering surgery for skin cancer. Call his center to receive an evaluation of your melanoma today.