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Melanoma: Symptoms and Causes of Melanoma

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Learning about the different melanoma symptoms and causes is crucial for its early detection and effective management. Changes in the appearance and texture of moles and bleeding demand immediate medical attention. While the exact causes are yet to be understood, factors like prolonged UV exposure, having many moles, a weakened immune system, etc., play significant roles.

What are the Melanoma Symptoms?

The following are the different symptoms of melanoma cancer:

Change in Mole Color

A change in the color of an existing mole is often one of the melanoma symptoms. Patients may observe variations in shades, such as darkening or the appearance of new colors. This is one of the early signs of melanoma skin cancer.

Alteration in Mole Size

An important symptom of melanoma is a noticeable change in the size of a mole. Rapid growth or a significant increase in diameter can indicate potential skin malignancy.

Change in Mole Shape

One of the common melanoma symptoms is a shift in the shape of a mole. Irregular or asymmetrical borders may develop, deviating from the typical round or oval appearance.

Shift in Mole Elevation

Elevated moles that experience changes in height or structure should be carefully monitored. It is important to pay attention to any shifts in the elevation of a mole, especially if accompanied by other melanoma symptoms.

Itching or Bleeding of the Mole

Melanomas may exhibit unusual symptoms such as itching or bleeding. Any mole showing signs of irritation or bleeding, even if seemingly minor, should not be ignored.

The above are the commonly observed melanoma symptoms. In some cases, patients may also experience loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, fatigue, bone pain, breathing difficulties, etc, and these may be advanced-stage or stage 4 melanoma symptoms.

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What are the Melanoma Causes?

Many often wonder, “What causes melanoma?” While we are yet to identify the exact cause of melanoma, we have identified the risk factors that can increase the risk of melanoma. Potentially, melanoma is caused by the following risk factors:

Unprotected UV Radiation Exposure

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is one of the potential melanoma causes.

Having Lots of Moles

Having lots of moles is also identified as one of the potential melanoma causes.

Weakened Immune Systems

Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or medications, may have an elevated risk of melanoma.

Family History

A family history of melanoma can contribute to an individual's susceptibility to the disease and thereby serve as one of the possible melanoma causes.

Fair Skin or Tendency to Burn Rather Than Tan

Fair-skinned individuals or those prone to sunburn rather than tanning are at higher risk. The lack of natural protection against UV radiation underscores the importance of sun safety practices.

A History of Childhood Tanning and Sunburn

Exposure to intense sunlight, particularly during childhood, can also serve as one of the potential melanoma causes in some cases. Minimizing childhood sunburns and practicing sun safety promote long-term skin health.

When to See an Oncologist?

If you observe any concerning changes in your skin, especially regarding moles or pigmented lesions, it is advisable to consult an oncologist promptly. Signs such as changes in color, size, shape, or elevation of moles, along with itching or bleeding, warrant immediate attention. Additionally, individuals with risk factors such as a family history of melanoma or a high mole count should schedule regular skin checks with an oncologist for proactive monitoring.

Conclusion

Being vigilant about the different melanoma signs and symptoms and promptly seeking the expertise of an oncologist can significantly impact the early detection and management of melanoma. Regular skin examinations, sun safety practices, and awareness of potential melanoma causes are key elements in the proactive approach to melanoma care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can melanoma spread without symptoms?

Yes, melanoma can potentially spread without presenting obvious symptoms, especially in its early stages. Regular self-examinations and professional skin checks are crucial for early detection when symptoms of melanoma cancer may be subtle.

While melanoma can be asymptomatic in its initial stages, common symptoms include changes in mole color, size, shape, elevation, itching, or bleeding. However, not all patients exhibit noticeable symptoms of melanoma cancer, highlighting the importance of regular skin checks.

Melanoma typically does not cause hair loss directly. However, changes in the skin, such as the appearance of a new or evolving mole, may be accompanied by changes in the hair on the affected area. Also, treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy administered to treat melanoma may lead to localized or complete hair loss temporarily.

In its early stages, melanoma is usually not painful. Pain may occur as one of the signs of melanoma as the disease progresses and affects nerves or surrounding tissues. However, the absence of pain does not rule out the possibility of melanoma, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring.

Melanoma affects the body by originating in melanocytes, leading to the formation of cancerous lesions. If left untreated, melanoma can invade deeper layers of the skin and potentially spread to other organs through the lymphatic system or bloodstream, impacting overall health.

Some of the signs that melanoma is spreading include swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, fever and night sweats, bone pain, etc. The symptoms of melanoma skin cancer that is spreading to other parts of the body vary based on the specific organ that it spreads to.