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Melanoma is a skin cancer that occurs in the melanocyte cells of the body. What could be a cause of melanoma?
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∙ 6y ago
Ultraviolet radiation (part of sunlight).
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∙ 6y ago
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Which type of skin cancer occurs in melanocytes?
Malignant Melanoma also known as melanoma, is a type of cancer that occurs in the melanocytes; melan/o means black, -oma means tumor; the most serious type of cancer and often the first signs are changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole.from medical terminology for health professions sixth editionMalignant melanoma. This is the deadliest form of skin cancer known to man. It must be diagnosed in the early stages of the disease for a complete cure to occur.True
Can you get skin cancer in your vagina?
Yes, you can get skin cancer anywhere on your body where there is skin. There are three types of skin cancer, basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. The first is benign. The second is benign but can turn into melanoma. Melanoma is the worst type, and can kill you.
What is Melanoma How can it be Treated and Prevented?
Melanoma is a cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin color. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The number of people being diagnosed with this cancer has increased drastically in the past few years.What causes melanoma?Melanoma occurs when the melanin-producing cells begin to divide and grow rapidly. Doctors have not been able to identify the exact cause of melanoma. However, they do believe that tanning beds and UV rays from the sun can trigger the development of melanoma.What are some of the risk factors associated with melanoma?People who tan or spend a lot of time in the sun are at an increased risk of developing melanoma. Those who have had a history of sunburn are also at an increased risk for developing this condition. Additionally, melanoma is also more likely to be diagnosed in fair-skinned people. However, it is important to note that this condition can affect African-Americans and Hispanics.What are some of the symptoms of melanoma?Most people will develop a mole that is unusual in shape or color. A change in a mole that was already on the person's body may also indicate melanoma. All suspicious-looking moles should be examined by a dermatologist.What are some of the treatment options for melanoma?The treatment that the doctor prescribes depends on the stage that the cancer is in as well as the patient's overall health. If the melanoma has not spread to other parts on the body, the doctor may perform surgery to remove the melanoma.If the cancer has spread, the doctor may choose to perform chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiation therapy Chemotherapy is a procedure that uses drugs to kill the cancerous cells. Biological therapy is a procedure that helps boost the immune system. Radiation therapy is a procedure that uses X-rays to destroy the cancerous cells.How can melanoma be prevented?Experts suggest avoiding the sun during peak hours , wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen. They also strongly advise against using tanning beds.
What are the symptoms of melanoma?
Melanoma occurs in the cells that give skin its color, this form of cancer usually appears as a spot of darkened pigment, or a mole. The symptoms of melanoma can be analyzed with the acronym ABCDE. 'A' stands for an asymmetrical, or oddly shaped, mole. 'B' is for a mole with uneven borders. 'C' stands for color: A variety of colors with in a mole is a warning signal. 'D' is for a mole with a diameter bigger than a pencil eraser. And 'E' stands for a growth that evolves over time. Melanomas fall into four basic categories. Three of them begin in situ, meaning they occupy only the top layer of skin. The fourth, nodular melanoma, is more serious because it penetrates more quickly into the skin. - dailyrx.com
Melanoma of the eye?
DefinitionMelanoma of the eye is cancer that occurs in various parts of the eye.Alternative NamesMalignant melanoma - choroid; Malignant melanoma - eye; Eye tumor; Ocular melanomaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsMelanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer that can spread rapidly.Melanoma of the eye can affect several parts of the eye, including the:ChoroidCiliary bodyConjunctivaEyelidIrisOrbitThe choroid layer is the most likely location of melanoma in the eye.The cancer may only be in the eye, or it may spread (metastasize) to another location in the body, most commonly the liver. Melanoma can also begin on the skin or other organs in the body and spread to the eye.Melanoma is the most common type of eye tumor in adults. Even so, primary melanoma of the eye is rare.Excessive exposure to sunlight is an important risk factor. The occurrence of melanoma has greatly increased in recent decades. Fair-skinned and blue-eyed people are most often affected.SymptomsBulging eyesChange in iris colorPoor vision in one eyeRed, painful eyeSmall defect on the iris or conjunctivaIn some cases, there may be no symptoms.Signs and testsAn eye examination with an ophthalmoscope may reveal a single round or oval lump (tumor) in the eye.Tests may include:Cranial CT scanto look for spread (metastasis) to the brainEye ultrasoundMRI of the headto look for metastasis to the brainSkin biopsy if there is an affected area on the skinTreatmentSmall melanomas may be treated with lasers, brachytherapy, or radiation therapy.Surgical removal of the eye (enucleation) may be necessary.Chemotherapy or biological therapy (interferon) are considered less effective therapies for melanoma involving the eye.Support GroupsFor additional resources, see cancer support group.Expectations (prognosis)The outcome for melanoma of the eye depends on the size of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Most patients will survive at least 5 years from the time of diagnosis if the cancer has not spread outside the eye.If the cancer has spread outside the eye, the chance of survival is much lower.ComplicationsDistortion or loss of visionRetinal detachmentSpread of the tumor to other areas of the bodyCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of melanoma of the eye.PreventionThe most important way to prevent eye melanoma is to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense. Wear sunglasses, and be sure they have ultraviolet protection.A yearly eye exam is recommended.ReferencesIn: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 73.
What is the nature of skin cancer?
Most commonly, you get skin cancer from being overexposed to the sun, either over a period of many years, or from a few bad sunburns, especially sunburns as a child. You might also get skin cancer from exposure to other forms of radiation and some chemicals, but that's not typical. There are risk factors that increase your changes of getting skin cancer, such as a family history of it, and light-colored eyes, hair, and/or skin. You can also get skin cancer by using tanning beds. Of course they don't want you to know this so that they (tanning beds companies) can stay in business. However, if there is any dirt or too much lotion on your body it interferes with the rays causing them to penetrate deeper under your skin than originally intended. I did not believe this until it happened to me. Love your natural skin color!!
Melanoma?
DefinitionMelanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.It involves cells called melanocytes, which produce a skin pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin and hair color.Melanoma can also involve the colored part of the eye. For information about that form of melanoma, see melanoma of the eye.See also:Basal cell skin cancerSkin cancerSquamous cell skin cancerAlternative NamesSkin cancer - melanomaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsMelanoma can appear on normal skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that has changed in appearance. Some moles that are present at birth may develop into melanomas.There are four major types of melanoma:Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type of melanoma. It is usually flat and irregular in shape and color, with different shades of black and brown. It may occur at any age or body site, and is most common in Caucasians.Nodular melanoma usually starts as a raised area that is dark blackish-blue or bluish-red. However, some do not have any color.Lentigo maligna melanoma usually occurs in the elderly. It is most common in sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, and arms. The abnormal skin areas are usually large, flat, and tan with areas of brown.Acral lentiginous melanoma is the least common form of melanoma. It usually occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails and is more common in African Americans.Rarely, melanomas appear in the mouth, iris of the eye, or retina at the back of the eye. They may be found during dental or eye examinations. Although very rare, melanoma can also develop in the vagina, esophagus, anus, urinary tract, and small intestine.Melanoma can spread very rapidly. Although it is less common than other types of skin cancer, the rate of melanoma is steadily increasing. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.The risk of developing melanoma increases with age. However, the disease also frequently affects young, otherwise healthy people.The development of melanoma is related to sun exposure or ultraviolet radiation, particularly among people with fair skin, blue or green eyes, and red or blond hair.Risks for melanoma include the following:Living in sunny climates or at high altitudesLong-term exposure to high levels of strong sunlight, because of a job or other activitiesOne or more blistering sunburns during childhoodUse of tanning devicesOther risk factors include:Close relatives with a history of melanomaExposure to chemicals that can cause cancer, such as arsenic, coal tar, and creosotePresence of certain types of moles (atypical dysplastic) or multiple birthmarksWeakened immune system due to AIDS, some leukemias, organ transplant, medications used to treat illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritisSymptomsThe primary symptom of any skin cancer is usually a mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin. Any change in appearance of a pigmented skin sore over time is a warning sign. Also, watch for any bleeding from a skin growth.The ABCD system may help you remember features that might be symptoms of melanoma:Asymmetry: One half of the abnormal area is different from the other half.Borders: The lesion or growth has irregular edges.Color: Color changes from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black (sometimes white, red, or blue). A mixture of colors may appear within one sore.Diameter: The trouble spot is usually (but not always) larger than 6 mm in diameter -- about the size of a pencil eraser.The key to treating melanoma is recognizing symptoms early. You might not notice a small spot of concern if you don't look carefully, so perform thorough self-examinations monthly, and schedule a formal skin exam with a dermatologist yearly.Signs and testsIf you notice any suspicious skin markings, see your health care provider as soon as possible.Your health care provider will look at the appearance of the growth, sore, or lump. A biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may involve removing a small area of a growth, or the entire growth.A procedure called sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy may be used for some people with melanoma to see if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.Once melanoma has been diagnosed, CT scans or other types of x-ray tests may be done to see if the cancer has spread.TreatmentThe cancerous skin cells and some normal tissue that surrounds the cancer will need to be surgically removed. How much normal tissue is removed depends mostly on how deep the melanoma has grown.If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, these lymph nodes may also need to be removed. Treatment with interferon after surgery may be useful for these patients.For patients with melanoma that has spread beyond the skin and nearby lymph nodes to other organs, treatment is more difficult. At this point, melanoma is usually not curable. Treatment is usually directed at shrinking the tumor and improving symptoms:Chemotherapy is often used to treat melanoma that has returned or spread.Medications such as interferon or interleukin, which boost the immune system to fight the cancer, may be useful in addition to chemotherapy and surgery. This kind of treatment is called immunotherapy. However, interferon has many side effects and can be difficult to tolerate.Radiation treatments may be used to relieve pain or discomfort caused by cancer that has spread.Cancer that has spread elsewhere in the body is sometimes removed with surgery to relieve pain or discomfort.Patients with high-risk melanomas may consider enrolling in clinical trials. These are research studies of new medications or other treatments.Support GroupsFor additional resources, see cancer support group.Expectations (prognosis)Treatment success depends on many factors, including the patient's general health and whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.If caught early, some melanomas can be cured. Deeper tumors are more likely to come back. If the skin cancer is deeper than 4 mm or the lymph nodes have cancer, there is a high risk of the cancer spreading to other tissues and organs. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, there is a greater chance that the melanoma will come back.For patients with melanoma that has spread beyond the skin and nearby lymph nodes to other organs, treatment is more difficult. At this point, melanoma is usually not curable.ComplicationsComplications of melanoma include the following:Damage to deep tissueSide effects of treatment FatigueHair lossNauseaPainSpread to other organsCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you notice any symptoms of melanoma, particularly the following:If any existing skin growth changes in color, size, or textureIf an existing lesion develops pain, swelling, bleeding, or itchingPreventionAnyone who has recovered from melanoma should carefully follow preventive guidelines and watch closely for suspicious marks. Your risk for developing a new melanoma is increased, even if the first one was cured. The disease may return years after the original diagnosis.The American Cancer Society recommends professional skin examinations every year for people older than 40, and every 3 years for people ages 20 - 40.Self-examination is also recommended. You should examine your skin once a month, using a mirror to check hard-to-see places. Call your doctor if you notice any suspicious skin changes.Protect yourself from the sunlight's damaging ultraviolet rays by doing the following:Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day (during winter months as well)Avoid lying in the sun or using tanning devicesMinimize sun exposure Especially during the summerParticularly between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglassesReferencesClinical practice guidline for melanoma: NCCN Medical Practice Guidelines and Oncology:V.2.2009. Accessed July 15, 2009.Goodson AG, Grossman D. Strategies for early melanoma detection: Approaches to the patient with nevi. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60:719-735.Markovick SN, Erickson LA, Rao RD, Weenig RH, Prockaj BA, Bardia A, et al. Malignant melanoma in the 21st century, part 1: epidemiology, risk factors, screening, prevention, and diagnosis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82:364-380.Markovick SN, Erickson LA, Rao RD, Weenig RH, Prockaj BA, Bardia A, et al. Malignant melanoma in the 21st century, part 2: staging, prognosis, and treatment. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82:490-513.
What occurs when malignant melanoma becomes invasive?
Once it becomes invasive, it may progress beyond the site of origin to the regional lymph nodes or travel to other organ systems in the body and become systemic in nature.
How does melanin typically respond to ultraviolet radiation?
Melanin serves as a shield against UV exposure, which comes in the form of a tan that occurs when melanin pigments enlarge in response to UV radiation. By doing this, the skin helps to prevent sunburn damage, which can lead to cancerous melanoma.
Did Bob Marley die from a foot infection?
No it was toe cancer, Acral lentiginous melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. Acral lentiginous melanoma is observed on the palms, soles and under the nails. It occurs on non hair-bearing surfaces of the body which may or may not be exposed to sunlight. It is also found on mucous membranes. Unlike other forms of melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma does not appear to be linked to sun exposure. It is the most common form of melanoma diagnosed amongst Asian and black ethnic groups.
Why does brain cancer occurs?
it usually occurs of what you think
Which type of cell division occurs in cancer cells?
both mitosis and meosis cell division occurs in cancer cells
