Melanoma
Melanoma
is a type of skin cancer that begins in cells in the pigment
cells of the skin called melanocytes. These cells produce
melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Each
year in the United States, more than 53,600 people learn they
have melanoma. In Western countries, melanoma is becoming more
common every year. Melanoma is rare in dark skin people. Usually
melanoma starts in the skin and this type of melanoma is called
cutaneous melanoma. Sometimes
melanoma may occur in eyes (also known as ocular melanoma) and
rarely melanoma may arise in the meninges, the digestive tract,
and lymph nodes.
Risk
Factors for Melanoma –
Severe
sunburns and Ultraviolet rays:
Much of the worldwide increase in melanoma is related to an
increase in the amount of time people spend in the sun. Even
artificial sources of ultra violet rays are a risk factor for
melanoma.
Fair
skin:
White people get melanoma far more often than do black people,
probably because the sun more easily damages light skin.
Atypical
moles
(Dysplastic nevi) and increased number of moles- Abnormally
colored usually larger atypical moles are more likely than
ordinary moles to become cancerous. The risk is especially high
for people with a family history of both dysplastic nevi and
melanoma. Having many moles (more then 50) increases the risk of
developing melanoma.
Decreased
immunity
- People with decreased immunity as a result of HIV, drugs or
any other cause are at increased risk of developing melanoma.
Family
history of melanoma:
Having two or more close relatives who have had this disease is
a risk factor. About 10 percent of all patients with melanoma
have a family member with this disease.
Previous
history of melanoma:
A previous history of melanoma or other skin cancer increases
the risk of a recurrence.
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