Melanoma Skin Cancer
Melanoma skin cancer is a highly aggressive cancer that tends to spread to other parts of the body and very fatal if not treated properly. Melanoma arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the dark skin pigment. And may begin in association with a mole or nevus.
Almost all malignant melanomas are more than 6mm in diameter, are asymmetric, and initially develop with the epidermis over a long period. The lesions are flat and relatively benign. But once the lesions penetrate the dermis (the second layer of the skin), the tumors develop a raised or nodular appearance and have smaller nodules called the satellite lesions, around the periphery.
The prognosis for survival for people diagnosed with malignant melanoma is determined by several variables, including tumor thickness, ulceration, metastasis, site, age, and gender. Younger clients and women have a better chance of survival. Tumors seen on the feet and scalp are less visible and may not be diagnosed until they grow into the dermis.
The three specific precursor lesions for the development of malignant melanoma are congenital nevi - moles that are present at birth, dysplastic nevi - also called atypical moles, and lentigo maligna - also called Hutchinson's freckle. A precursor lesion is also called a premalignant lesion, a name that indicates that the lesion's risk of becoming malignant is greater than normal.
Melanomas are classified into different types, depending on their location, shape and growth. The major types are superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, nodular melanoma, and acral lentiginous melanoma.
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type, comprising about 70% of all melanomas. The lesions are usually flat and scaly or crusty and are about 2 cm in diameter. They often arise from preexisting moles or nevi. This type of melanoma is found on the trunk and back of men and on the legs of women. It occurs more often with women than in men.
Lentigo maligna melanoma often arises from precursor lesion, lentigo maligna. The lesions are large and tan with different shades of brown. It occurs on skin that has had long term sun exposure, such as the face, neck and sometimes the dorsal surface of the hands and lower extremities. The lesion tends to acquire freckled or mottled appearance and can grow as large as 10 cm. This type often affects women more than men.
Nodular melanoma lesions are raised, dome shaped blue-black or red nodules on areas of the head, neck, and trunk that may or may not expose to the sun. The lesions may look like a blood blister, or they may ulcerate or bleed. It grows vertically and aggressively.
Acral lentiginous melanoma also called mucocutaneous melanoma. This type is less common to fair skin people but more common to people with dark skin. The lesions progress from tan, brown, or black flat lesions to elevated nodules and are about 3 cm in diameter. They are found in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the mucous membranes and the nail beds. This type affects both men and women equally.
By: Sydney
Melanoma Skin Cancer Recommended Resources:
University of Maryland Medical Center
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