Causes, Signs, and Symptoms for Melanoma

Melanoma is also referred to as Malignant Melanoma. It is a type of skin cancer that grows from the cells that produce the pigment known as the Melanocytes. It occurs on the skin of a human being. However, it does not affect the mouth, eyes, and intestines. It mainly occurs on the legs of women, while for men, it develops on the back. Apart from affecting the skin, it may enter other tissues, which may, in return, affect other parts of the body. When the condition is severe, it can be more challenging to treat. However, when it is in its early stage, it is always curable. Below are some of the signs and symptoms of melanoma in Flemington.

Signs and symptoms of melanoma

Any part of the body can be affected by melanoma. In most cases, it appears on the face. The condition mainly targets the areas that are not exposed to the sun. The condition can affect any skin tone. For those who have dark or brown skin, melanoma will target the palms or soles. The signs may include:

• Large brown spots that have darker speckle
• An individual may also have a mole that can transform in size, color, feel, and sometimes it may bleed
• You may have a small lesion with portions that are red, white, blue, or blue-black.
• The lesion may irritate and sometimes burn
• You may experience dark lesions on different parts of the body, such as the fingertips, genital area, toes, and nose.

Causes of melanoma

Melanoma usually happens when there is something unusual happening with the melanin-producing cells. The melanin-producing cells are known as melanocytes and give color to the skin. The skin cells grow in an orderly manner. The healthy cells will push the older cells forward to the skin surface once they die, and they will eventually shed off. However, cells can grow with no control when there is DNA damage, creating a mass of cancerous cells. Other factors that may contribute to the risk of having melanoma include the following.

• Fair skin. If you have fair skin, you have less melanin. Hence, you will be prone to more damage from UV light. Some people with red hair, blond or light-colored eyes will be more likely to have the condition than those with a darker complexion.
• Sunburn. Severe sunburns can cause melanoma.
• High exposure to ultraviolet light. If you are more exposed to UV radiation from the sun or lights, you will have more chances of developing skin cancer or melanoma.
• Melanoma in your family. If your parents or close relatives have had the condition, you have a greater chance of developing it.
• Many moles on the body. More moles on the body will increase the chances of melanoma. Some people develop unusual moles that will increase the chances of melanoma. The moles can be larger than the normal ones bearing irregular borders and different colors.

Talk to a melanoma specialist today

Not all skin changes should worry you, but you should consult a doctor when you see skin discoloration. Melanoma is curable. However, it is easily cured when not fully developed. Therefore, you should talk to a melanoma specialist who will give you the right treatment. Book an appointment with Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC to get the proper treatment.