Zion - Fear to Faith Magazine

MELANOMA
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in cells known
as melanocytes. While it is less common than basal cell carcinoma
(BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma is far more
dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly
if it is not treated at an early stage. Skin cancers like melanoma have
damaged DNA (mutations) in skin cells that lead to uncontrolled
growth of these cells. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning
beds can cause mutations in DNA and is a major cause of melanoma.
Many other factors also play a role in increasing the risk for melanoma
including genetics (family history), skin type or color, hair color,
freckling and number of moles on the body. Melanomas commonly
appear on the legs of women, and the number one place they develop
on men is the trunk. Keep in mind, though, that melanomas can arise
anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesn’t shine.
While melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer,
promising new treatment options are improving quality of life and
increasing survival rates for patients with advanced melanoma.
If you’ve been diagnosed, your treatment choices depend on the stage of
the disease, the location of the tumor and your overall health. Options
include:
•Surgical removal of the melanoma
•Immunotherapy
•Targeted therapy
•Chemotherapy
•Radiation