While the sun is a great source of vitamin D, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to skin cancer. Cancer that starts in the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) is called melanoma, and it is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when pigment-producing cells called melanocytes mutate and grow out of control. Melanoma often appears as a new mole on the skin or an existing mole that changes in size, shape or color.

Melanoma can also occur in other parts of the body, including the eyes and, more rarely, in the mouth, digestive tract, and under the nails.

What Causes Melanoma?

The primary cause of melanoma is exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. While anyone can get melanoma, certain factors can increase the risk of developing it, including:.

Fair skin, freckling or red or blond hair
History of sunburn, especially in childhood
Occupational exposure to UV radiation
Use of tanning beds or sunlamps
A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
A weakened immune system

Symptoms of Melanoma

The most common sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that changes in size, shape, or color. The ABCDE rule can help you identify potential symptoms of melanoma:.

A: Asymmetry in which one half of the mole or spot doesn’t match the other half.
B: Border irregularities where the edges of the spot are not smooth and even.
C: Color variation in which the mole or spot has uneven color or multiple colors.
D: Diameter greater than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E: Evolution or change in the size, shape, or color of the spot.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.

How to Prevent Melanoma

Prevention is key when it comes to melanoma. You can reduce your risk of developing melanoma by taking the following steps:.

Avoid sun exposure during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and hats with a wide brim.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
Check your skin regularly for any new moles or unusual changes to existing ones.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Melanoma

If you have symptoms of melanoma, your doctor will likely perform a skin biopsy to determine if the spot is cancerous. Melanoma is usually treated with surgery to remove the affected area of skin.

In some cases, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary.

Conclusion

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can be deadly if not detected and treated early. The primary cause of melanoma is exposure to UV radiation from the sun, so it is important to take steps to protect your skin when you are outdoors.

By following the steps above, you can reduce your risk of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer.