Skin cancer is caused due to the malfunctioning and uncontrolled growth of a cell on the lining of skin. Change in color/appearance of skin or development of sores (which do not heal) is a clear indication of possible skin cancer.
Melanoma Skin Cancer: This is the most severe type of skin cancer. It starts from the skin cells named melanocytes, which are responsible for production of melanin (Melanin is a substance that gives our skin its color and also protects our skin cells from ultraviolet rays). Once we come into direct contact with ultra-violet rays, our skin cells (melanocytes) start producing more melanin, this causes tanning of our skin. If we stay in contact with ultra-violet rays for longer time, the melanocytes may start malfunctioning and grow abnormally. This growth can lead to cancer and is called melanoma.
Who is at risk of developing melanoma?
People who come into direct contact of too much of ultra-violet radiation, people having problem with the melanin production, and those who are fair-skinned and have light colored eyes (it has been recorded that melatocytes in fair-skinned people fail to produce sufficient quantity of melanin pigments, hence less protection against harmful UV rays), people with skin problems and those who have hereditary skin problems are at high risk of developing melanoma. Also people who have large number of moles on skin, people with weakened immune system and those who have blistering sunburns on their skin etc. are at high risk of developing melanoma.
What are symptoms of melanoma?
You should consult your doctor if you witness any of the following symptoms:
1) Spots on the skin those grow in size and never heal, multicoloured in nature
2) Moles those keep on growing and start itching and change in color or texture (such unusual moles are also known as dysplastic nevi)
3) Bleeding sores those grow and last for longer time (about a month or more) and re-appear after getting healed.
4) For men, generally moles, spots and sores develop on the outer skin such as face, hands etc. whereas for women they grow underneath their palms or fingernails & toenails.
