What You Should Know about Melanoma
By Sara Butler
Last year in the United States, 100,000 people were diagnosed with melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer that also happens to be one of the deadliest. Even though this condition is relatively rare, it’s still important to know the earliest symptoms of detection and how you can protect yourself. Here’s what you need to know about melanoma.
Who is at Risk?
Melanoma is created by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, the skin cells that are responsible for turning your skin brown when exposed to the sun. It arises in areas that are commonly exposed to the sun, such as on the scalp, in the eyes, and even under the nails.
There are few things that put you at a higher risk for this type of cancer. The biggest risk is exposure to UV light in tanning beds and outside in the sunlight. Other things that increase risk include:
- A family history of melanoma
- Red hair
- Fair skin
- Skin that burns easily
- Lots of moles on the skin
What to Look For
You should check your skin regularly, at least once a month, to look for any abnormalities. If you spot something strange, such as a mole that seems suspicious, look for:
- Border – If the border of a mole is poorly defined, scalloped, or irregular, then it could be a sign of melanoma.
- Asymmetry – Each half of the mole should look the same. Melanoma can look uneven and asymmetrical.
- Diameter – Any mole larger than 6 millimeters should be looked at.
- Color – Melanomas tend to have several colors, such as blue, red, black, or brown. Healthy moles should be one or two colors, tops.
- Evolving – Moles don’t change over time, but melanoma does. If you notice a spot that changes texture, size, shape, or color, then have it looked at.
You should also have any mole that doesn’t look like your others checked out. Most people have moles that look like one another, so one that looks different may be a red flag!
Other symptoms of melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society, are:
- Redness
- Swelling beyond the border of a mole
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Tenderness near a mole
- Itchiness near a mole
- Bleeding
- Scaliness
- Oozing
- A lump or bump on the mole’s surface
Aside from regular self-checks, the best way to reduce your risk is by wearing sunblock and protective clothing when you’re out in the sun. Also, avoid tanning beds.
Melanoma is serious, so make sure you do all you can to avoid it or catch it early!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lake Forest, Calif.