Melanoma is a serious skin cancer, and if left untreated can prove damaging or even fatal. The worst part about the whole thing is that prevention of melanoma is an easy task, but most people neglect to put on suntan lotion when it's needed. As a matter of fact, most melanomas develop in young adults that spend large amounts of time in the sun without adequate skin protection.
Cancer is an oddly preventable problem many cases. Specifically with lung cancer and melanomas, chances are that if you live a smoke-free, suntan-protected lifestyle, you have a very low risk of developing either of these two diseases.
But I digress – let’s talk about melanomas and where on the body they are commonly found.
A melanoma is a like a mole on your skin that’s gone rogue. The easy explanation for this, taking apart the fact that genetic history plays into it, is the fact that our cells contain chemicals that are susceptible to mutagens – like UV light from the sun. UV rays can penetrate deep into the skin and can cause melanin-producing melanocytes to mutate and start growing uncontrollably (this is a defining characteristic of all cancers – uncontrollable cell growth).
MedlinePlus has a great way to remember the way to check whether or not a mole is problematic. They call it the “ABCD” method.
A is for Asymmetry – The shape of the mole isn’t symmetrical, check if one side matches the other.
B is for Border – Normal moles have smoothed edges, cancerous moles typically have blurry or jagged borders
C is for Color – If a mole is multicolored and includes black, brown and tan, chances are you’re looking at a melanoma.
D is for Diameter – Moles increase in size over time when they are cancerous.
Stage 1 usually involves the expansion of the diameter of a mole you’ve had for a while, and if you look and find these signs and symptoms of melanoma, it’s time to check with a healthcare provider.