One of the most common types of cancer is melanoma. This disease is often fatal. Therefore, it is important for every person to know its symptoms and how to prevent it. So what is melanoma? Most often, it develops on human skin, degenerates from moles, less often affects the retina, intestines and vagina. The main danger is in metastases, which quickly spread through the circulatory and lymphatic systems to all internal organs. This greatly complicates the treatment.
Before we look at the main signs of melanoma, it is useful to know the main causes of melanoma. The first risk factor is a dysplastic nevus or, more simply, moles. The higher the number, the higher the risk of developing melanoma. They may be hereditary. If one of the relatives had cancer, then the whole family is at risk. Most often, signs of melanoma appear in adolescence or old age. It is during these periods that the body is sensitive to hormonal changes. How many moles can be considered critical? Doctors believe that more than 50.
Often, signs of melanoma appear in a certain type of appearance. So, if a person has white skin,blonde or red hair and blue eyes, then he has a high risk of developing skin cancer. The thing is that such an appearance is most exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The skin burns - and freckles form. It is this type of cancer that most often recurs. It can also occur as a result of a weakened immune system as a result of taking AIDS medications or after an organ transplant.
So, it's clear what melanoma is. Its symptoms may be different. Most often it appears on the lower extremities, face, neck, back. It all starts with the appearance of a nevus. But not every mole leads to melanoma. That is why you should not neglect the advice of an oncologist. When should you be concerned? If the nevus changed color or shape, increased in size, began to bleed, pigment spots appeared next to it - these may be signs of melanoma. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible and pass all the tests. Even if it is indeed skin cancer, the sooner treatment begins, the better.
There are several treatments for melanoma. It all depends on the stage of the disease. The most commonly used surgical method. The doctor cuts out the tumor and a small area of skin next to it. Its size depends on many factors. If the lymph nodes are affected, they are also removed. If you plan to remove a large amount of skin, then use a donor.
Chemotherapy for melanoma is rarely used. The drugs are taken in courses. It is important to alternate periods of treatment and recovery. The fourth stage is more efficientuse radiation therapy. It is she who allows you to kill some of the cancer cells and facilitate treatment.
The best therapy is prevention. Therefore, try not to stay in the sun for a long time, avoid burns, monitor the condition of the skin and the appearance of new moles. If alarming symptoms appear, consult an oncologist as soon as possible. This is the only way to keep your he alth!
