Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is a serious type of cancer. The disease, which usually first shows itself on the skin, can also be seen in the bowel and around the eyes. It can also be seen, though very rarely, under the nails and on the scalp. There are more than 160,000 cases worldwide. Today it is seen more often than in the past. This condition is becoming very serious and dangerous. If not diagnosed early, it can be fatal.

The moles on your body can be a sign of cancer. Spots caused by the sun's rays, especially in the summer months, can trigger malignant melanoma. This type of cancer, which mostly affects people with fair and pale skin, can be seen more often in women than in men. Malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, mostly affects people who are sensitive to the sun and have freckles. In men it is usually seen on the back, and in women on the legs.

Malignant melanoma usually affects people living in hot climates. The disease, which is set off by ultraviolet rays, can also pave the way for skin cancer, and the reason skin cancer can be fatal is the existence of this malignant type of cancer. People with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it than others. The disease, which is divided into the types lentigo maligna melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, acral malignant melanoma and nodular melanoma, is seen in various parts of the body. The moles seen in these various areas determine which type of the disease is present.

Factors such as sunbeds, careless use of cosmetics and sunbathing trigger malignant melanoma. Everyone has moles of different sizes on their body. Checking these moles is important for the early diagnosis of this disease. If moles on your body are made up of different colours, if they bleed or discharge pus, or if you notice visible growth, you may have this risky type of cancer. It is worth paying attention to moles without sharp borders, and especially those shaded with light and dark colours. Moles that enlarge and become raised are a sign of cancer. Itching of moles, and oozing while they are scratched, are also a sign. Moles can also be genetic. Moles generally appear after the age of 10. If from this age onwards you notice any change in your moles, you should see a doctor so that the disease can be prevented or treated early. Paying attention to light-coloured moles that appear later in life is also helpful for diagnosing this disease.

The treatment of malignant melanoma goes through certain stages. The stage of the disease is the most important factor in determining the treatment methods. Early diagnosis helps achieve more favourable results. Specialists start by surgically removing the mole to determine whether the effects of this malignant type of cancer are present in the body. The removed tissue is sent for examination. If the report shows that the case carries the features of the disease, the patient is operated on again and the malignant tissue around the mole is cleared. If the disease is still at an early stage, medication, vaccines or radiotherapy can also be used. Ipilimumab, vemurafenib, interleukin, temozolomide and dacarbazine are among the most frequently used treatments in recent times.

Many people are afraid of having their moles removed. They believe that removal will increase the risk of cancer and make it spread. But this is a mistaken theory. Having moles removed does not prevent the risk of cancer either; it is only important for the early diagnosis of malignant melanoma. If you too want to guard against this potentially fatal type of cancer, check the moles on your body every month. If you notice visible colour changes or growth, see a doctor immediately. Remember that early diagnosis saves lives.