| ma is a malignant tumor predominantly found in | | | | at increased risk. |
| the skin but can be found elsewhere, especially | | | | A family history of melanoma greatly increases a |
| the eye. The vast majority of melanomas | | | | person's risk. Certain 'melanoma families' display |
| originate in the skin. Melanomas are the most | | | | features of mendelian inheritance of cancer |
| lethal form of skin cancer. As with most forms of | | | | causing genes. It is critical that individuals with |
| cancer, earlier detection gives patients a better | | | | family members who have been diagnosed with |
| chance of survival. | | | | melanoma be checked regularly for skin cancer. |
| Epidemiologic studies from Australia suggest that | | | | Patients with a history of one melanoma are at |
| exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the | | | | increased risk of developing a second primary |
| major contributors to the development of | | | | tumour. |
| melanoma. Occasional extreme sun exposure | | | | Do you suspect that you may have Melanoma? |
| resulting in a sunburn is causally related to | | | | Any mole that is irregular in color or shape should |
| melanoma. Those with more chronic long term | | | | be examined by a doctor to determine if it is a |
| exposure (outdoor workers) may develop | | | | malignant melanoma, the most serious and |
| protective mechanisms. Melanoma is most | | | | life-threatening form of skin cancer. Following a |
| common on the back in men and on legs in | | | | visual examination and a dermatoscopic exam (an |
| women (areas of intermittent sun exposure) and | | | | instrument that illuminates a mole, revealing its |
| is more common in indoor workers than outdoor | | | | underlying pigment and vascular network |
| workers (in a British study). Other factors are | | | | structure), the doctor may biopsy the suspicious |
| mutations in or total loss of tumor suppressor | | | | mole. If it is malignant, the mole and an area |
| genes. Use of sunbeds with deeply penetrating | | | | around it needs excision by a surgeon or |
| UVA rays has been linked to the development of | | | | dermatologist. |
| skin cancers, including melanoma. | | | | The diagnosis of melanoma requires experience, |
| Possible significant elements in determining risk | | | | as early stages may look identical to harmless |
| include the intensity and duration of sun exposure, | | | | moles or not have any color at all. Where any |
| the age at which sun exposure occurs, and the | | | | doubt exists, the patient will be referred to a |
| degree of skin pigmentation. Exposure during | | | | specialist dermatologist. |
| childhood is a more important risk factor than | | | | How to Prevent Melanoma |
| exposure in adulthood. This is seen in migration | | | | Minimize exposure to sources of ultraviolet |
| studies in Australia where people tend to retain | | | | radiation (the sun and sunbeds). |
| the risk profile of their country of birth if they | | | | Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and |
| migrate to Australia as an adult. Individuals with | | | | broad-brimmed hats offers the best protection. |
| blistering or peeling sunburns especially in the first | | | | Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or |
| twenty years of life have a significantly greater | | | | better on exposed areas. |
| risk for melanoma. | | | | Disclaimer - The information presented here |
| Fair and red-headed people are at greater risk for | | | | should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you |
| developing melanoma. A person with multiple | | | | suspect you have Melanoma, please consult your |
| atypical nevi or dysplastic nevi are at a significant | | | | physician as early as possible for diagnosis and |
| risk. Persons born with giant congenital naevi are | | | | treatment options. |