Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a very serious form of
skin cancer.
Melanoma is cancer of the
melanocytes.
Melanocytes are located in the
Stratum Basale and produce melanin.
Melanocytes
When skin is exposed to sunlight,
melanocytes produce more pigment, causing
the skin to tan.
Sometimes, clusters of melanocytes form
noncancerous (benign) growths called
moles.
Moles can be either flat or raised, round or
oval, and are smaller than a pencil eraser.
Generally harmless, but can become cancerous
What is cancer?
Cancer is abnormal cell growth.
The mass of extra cells forms a
growth or tumor.
Tumors can be either benign or
malignant.
Benign tumors are not cancer. They
often can be removed and, in most
cases, they do not come back.
Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors are cancerous.
Cells can invade and destroy surrounding
tissue.
Cells can also break away from a malignant
tumor and enter the bloodstream.
When cancer spreads (metastasizes) to
other parts of the body, the new tumor
has the same kind of abnormal cells and
the same name as the original tumor.
Carcinoma
Squamous Cell
Carcinoma
Melanoma
Although melanoma accounts for only
Causes of Melanoma
90% of all melanomas are linked to UV radiation.
(Sun exposure)
8% are due to chromosomal abnormalities
About 2% are unknown
www.oncologychannel.com
Risk Factors
Family history of melanoma
Dysplastic nevi (noncancerous, but unusual-
looking moles)
Previous melanoma
Many nevi (ordinary moles): more than 50
Severe, blistering sunburns
Freckling tendency
Fair skin, light eyes
Excessive use of tanning beds
ABCDs of Melanoma
A
Asymmetry--one half unlike the other
half.
B
Border irregular--scalloped or poorly
circumscribed border.
C
Color varied from one area to another;
shades of tan and brown; black;
sometimes white, red or blue.
D
Diameter larger than 6mm as a rule
(diameter of a pencil eraser).
ABCDs
Melanoma
Melanoma
Surface Melanoma- Most
common form of
melanoma. Spreads across
the surface of the skin.
Only when it invades
deeper does it become
dangerous
Melanoma
Nodular Melanoma -The
most dangerous form of
melanoma, arising as a
small lump on pure
melanoma tissue in the
skin. The risk of death
from this melanoma
increases rapidly as the
tumor buries deeper in
the skin.
Facts
One person each hour dies from melanoma.
Melanoma afflicts nearly 45,000 Americans
yearly.
Affects all age groups and is one of the most
common cancers in young adults
Melanoma diagnosed at an early stage can
usually be cured, but melanoma diagnosed at
a late stage is more likely to spread and
cause death.
The Key is PREVENTION!
Ultraviolet Rays
UV-A
UV Radiation
UV-B -Stronger than UV-A, are
UV Radiation
UV-C
between 10 AM and 3 PM
Sun Facts
Protecting your skin during the first 18 years of life can
Prevention
1. UV reflection from sand, water, pavement, cement