In 2010, there were 68,130 new cases of melanoma in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute, and 8,700 people died from the disease. We love the sun, slathering tanning lotion all over our bodies and basking in it. When we can't do that, we crawl into a tanning bed and get bronze artificially. Our vanity is killing us. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Melanoma can also involve the colored part of the eye.
The Symptoms of melanoma are a mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin can be a sign of melanoma or other skin cancer. A sore or growth that bleeds, or changes in color can also be a sign of skin cancer. Causes of the skin cancer Melanoma is caused by changes in skin cells called melanocytes. These cells make a skin color pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin and hair color. Melanoma can appear on normal skin. Or, it can begin as a mole or other area that then changes in appearance. Some moles that are present at birth may develop into melanomas.
The risk of developing melanoma increases with age, though it can also be seen in young people. You are more likely to develop melanoma if you have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or red or blond hair, Live in sunny climates or at high altitudes, Spend a lot of time in high levels of strong sunlight because of a job or other activities, have had one or more blistering sunburns during childhood, and use tanning devices. Other risk factors include close relatives with melanoma, certain types of moles or many birthmarks, and weakened immune system due to disease or medication. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body very quickly.
Treatment for melanoma can mean surgery is needed to treat melanoma. The skin cancer and some surrounding area will be removed. How much skin is removed depends on how deep the melanoma has grown. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, these lymph nodes may also be removed. After surgery, you may