Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that initially develops in the skin. It is not as common as the other types of cancer that we know such as kidney, breast and prostate cancer. This does not mean however it should be ignored and taken for granted.
If ignored it has equal consequences. It can be removed when found in its early stages through surgery hence the need to identify the symptoms when you see them.
When not removed at this stage, it may enter into your blood stream; hence infect other organs of your body.
This type of cancer does not have a specific age group. Anyone whether young or old can be diagnosed with malignant melanoma [Melanoma skin cancer]. It appears as a black to dark brown growth visible to the eye. From there it grows rapidly and may begin to bleed.
What triggers Malignant Melanoma?
Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of this type of skin cancer. So when you are going out to the beach during summer or you are doing activities that are going to require you to be constantly under the sun, wear sunscreen, preferably one with an SPF of 30 or even higher.
Ultraviolet radiation caused by exposure from the sun may damage the DNA of the cells. This damage triggers mutations that lead to the development of the skin cancer.
Fair skinned people bear the higher risk of being infected as compared to dark skinned people, particularly those living in hot climates such as Australia or the South-west United States.
Malignant melanoma can also be triggered on a genetic basis. When you trace back into your family history and you find that your great grandmother or grandfather suffered from this type of cancer, there is a higher chance that you may be diagnosed with it as well.
It doesn’t really matter how long back into your family roots you have traced it; it doesn’t take you off the hook. However, the further they are, the less the risk but if they are one or two first degree relatives then there is a greater risk.
Watch out for your newly born baby. If you notice a large congenital mole then you should keep watch. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a definite diagnosis but the risk is high. Jut keep consulting your doctor so you can detect it in time if ever there is confirmed diagnosis.
All in all what triggers Malignant Melanoma is excessive sun exposure, genetics and mutations.
