Malignant Melanoma
#74
Malignant melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that occurs due to melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) growing out of control. This type of cancer can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not treated in time.
Melanoma can appear as moles, scaly patches, open sores, or raised bumps. They can occur on any part of the body, including arms, back, face, legs, soles of feet, and fingernail beds.
Symptoms
Follow the ‘ABCDEFG’ acronym for signs of melanoma.
A: moles with asymmetric shapes
B: border (edges) of the mole is not smooth
C: uneven mole color (brown, black, gray, red, or white)
D: mole size is greater than 6 mm (diameter)
E: mole changes in size, shape, or color (evolving) + can also stand for elevated
F: firm to touch
G: growing
Treatment
Melanoma treatment will vary based on the stage of the cancer, but common treatments include:
surgery
radiation/drug therapy
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