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Getting regular skin self-exams and learning to recognize the “ABCDE rule” may help you find melanoma early when it’s less likely to spread.
The main risk factor for melanoma is sun exposure. However, you can lessen your risk by following sun safety precautions, using enough sunscreen, and restricting your time in the sun, when it’s the strongest.
Prevention
There is no surefire method to ward against melanoma., but avoiding overexposure to the sun’s rays and using sunscreen can significantly reduce your risk. Genetics, fair skin, many freckles or moles, and a family history of cancer can also increase your risk of melanoma.
Most melanomas arise in people over 50, but younger individuals may also develop melanoma as they are more likely to engage in sun-seeking behaviors. They are also more likely to have a weakened immune system or use medications that suppress the immune system.
Among melanoma tips Memphis TN includes reducing exposure to the sun’s UV rays and avoiding tanning beds. It can also include identifying and monitoring any changing or growing moles.
Early detection of melanoma is crucial for effective treatment. Early diagnosis allows doctors to remove the melanoma and check for metastases that may have formed in other parts of your body. You may live longer and have a higher quality of life.
Early Detection
The most fatal type of skin cancer is melanoma. However, it can be treated and cured if caught early before it spreads to other parts of the body.
Detecting changes in moles is an integral part of preventing melanoma. Examine a mole for size, color, shape, or texture alterations.
In addition, keep an eye out for any sores that won’t go away or unusual bumps or rashes. It’s also an excellent idea to let your doctor know if any of your current moles alter.
Treatment
Your doctor may recommend a biopsy if you have a suspicious skin lesion. It is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from the spot and examine it under a microscope.
A biopsy can help your doctor diagnose melanoma by finding cancer cells. Additionally, it can be used to determine whether a genetic modification raises the danger of melanoma recurrence.
Stage I melanoma usually gets treated with wide local excision. A skin graft (taking skin from another part of the body to replace the removed skin) might also be done.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can be done if there is a risk that the melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes. A lymph node dissection might be recommended if an SLNB shows that cancer cells are there. However, it may cause side effects like neck, armpit, or groin swelling called lymphoedema.
Side Effects
Cancer immunotherapy is the key to effective melanoma treatment, but side effects can occur. These may include diarrhea, lung inflammation, and muscle pain.
Immunotherapy works by revitalizing the immune system to fight melanoma cells.
While most immunotherapy side effects are short-lived, they can cause severe problems in some people.
