What is Melanoma? How does it spread?

About Melanocytes

Melanocytes are the cells present in the skin’s upper layer. They are able to manufacture a brown pigment known as melanin, which makes the skin brown or gives it a tan. Two main types of melanin exist:

1. Pheomelanin
2. Eumelanin

As the skin gets exposed to UV radiation from tanning beds or the sun, it results in skin damage that triggers melanocytes to generate more melanin. However, it is only the eumelanin pigment which tries to protect the skin by tanning or darkening it. If the tanning from UV radiation results in DNA damage causes mutations in melanocytes, it results in Melanoma skin cancer.   

How do Melanomas appear?

Melanomas are present in various sizes, shapes, and colors. These varieties make it really difficult to provide specific warning signs for melanoma cancer risks. Detecting this skin cancer early is very important, which can be done through symptoms, early detection strategies, and images. 

Melanoma cancer can be cured if it is detected at an early stage.  Once the disorder goes deep into the skin or to other parts of the body, it gets very difficult to treat and may turn deadly. 

Types of Melanoma

1. Superficial spreading melanoma- It is the most common type of melanoma cancer. It may either be visible as a new lesion or as an existing mole. Though found in different parts of the body, it is most common on women’s legs, men’s torsos, and on the upper backs of both. 
2. Acral lentiginous melanoma- Among people of color, this is the most common type of skin cancer. It may be visible as a brown or black area, and is present in difficult-to-see places like palms of hands, soles of feet, or below the nails.  
3. Nodular melanoma- It is a very aggressive form of melanoma where the tumor grows into the skin more rapidly than other cancers. This is commonly found on the legs, torsos, and arms, as well as on the scalps of old men.  
4. Lentigo maligna- This form of melanoma is common among old people. It grows close to the skin surface at first. You will usually find a blue black color.

Melanoma cancer spread

Melanoma which spreads from one part of the skin to another area of the body is known as metastatic melanoma. It usually presents itself as a mole during early detection, although it can be in the form of a tender nodule as well. Depending on where it has spread, the following symptoms are visible:

1. Brain- Seizures or headaches
2. Lymph nodes- Swellings
3. Liver- Unexplained weight loss or appetite loss
4. Bone- Unusual fractures or pain in the bones
5. Lungs- Shortness of breath or persistent cough

The cancer spreads as the tumor travels to different areas of the body, which includes blood, lymph, and the body’s tissues. It may settle in the organs and remain there for a while.