01:01 PM
Thursday 26 November 2020
–
Books – Sayed Metwally
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in men and women in 2020.
The following are the five signs that may reveal your skin cancer, according to the British “express”.
Melanoma is a skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes of the skin – the outermost layer, melanoma is more dangerous than other cancers because it can spread to other organs more quickly if not treated early enough, which is why it is essential to get an early diagnosis.
What causes skin cancer?
Melanoma cancer occurs in the top layer of the skin, which produces a pigment called melanin that gives skin its color.
There are two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin.
When the skin is damaged by the UV rays, the melanocytes produce more melanin and the emelanin tries to protect the skin by causing the skin to darken or tan.
Skin cancer occurs when DNA from this tanning or combustion is damaged by ultraviolet rays, and causes a change in melanocytes and this leads to uncontrolled growth in cells.
How do you prevent skin cancer?
Prevention is always better than treatment, because melanoma requires surgery and can return after removal. Skin cancer cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce your chances of getting it by avoiding getting a sunburn.
You should always wear sunscreen, protection from UV rays, and be very careful to avoid the sun in addition to using sunbeds.
Certain factors beyond your control can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
For example, if one of your parents or one of your siblings has had skin cancer, you may have an increased risk.
Although people of any skin tone can develop melanoma, you are more likely to develop it if you have fair skin.
Likewise, if you have naturally blonde or red hair, light eyes, and freckles or sunburn easily, you are more at risk than anyone with dark skin, and checking your skin regularly and knowing what to look for can lead to an early diagnosis and increased chances of successful treatment.
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, on normal skin or on a mole. In men, melanoma tends to develop on the face or trunk area more commonly, and in women, melanoma most often affects the lower legs.
Dark skinned people develop melanoma most commonly on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and under the fingernails or toenails.
According to Mayo Clinic, there are five signs of melanoma:
Large brown spot with dark spots.
A mole that changes color, size, or sensation, or is bleeding.
A small lesion with irregular borders and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue, or dark blue.
Painful lesion that itches or burns.
Dark lesions on your palm, soles, fingertips, toes, or on the mucous membranes that line your mouth, nose, women’s vagina, or anus.
– .
