Maybe you are suffering from melanoma skin cancer and still not aware  – how does it happen?

Usually, the skin has three layers:

• Epidermis Layer
• Dermis Layer
• Hypodermis

The deepest layer of the epidermis, which is located above the dermis, contains melanocyte cells. They generally make a brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its tan or brown colour. Melanin guards the deeper layers of the skin from some of the damaging effects of the sun.

Melanoma begins when healthy melanocytes change and grow out of control, generating a cancerous tumour. A cancerous tumour is malignant, which can grow and spread to other parts of the body if not caught or treated early. Sometimes, melanoma also originates from a normal mole. For this, you can take help of Canberra mole removal services.

Melanoma can be developed anywhere on the body, including the neck, head, fingernails, the genitals area, and even the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. 

Although, it is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer and can grow deep into the skin. But what are the causes of this?

Let’s have a look at the following guide!

What is Melanoma?

As stated above, melanoma is a malignant tumour arising from melanocytes. It is usually brown or black in colour due to the production of melanin by melanocytes. 

Melanoma is most likely to start developing on the chest and back of white men and the legs in white women. The neck and face are also other popular sites, where melanoma usually occurs.

But the tumour can occur in people with any skin type and other areas of the body. Anyone with dark skin can develop melanoma on the palms, soles, and under the nails. 

Melanoma is almost always treatable in its early stages like other cancerous skin tumours. 

What Are The Causes of Melanoma?

DNA is the genetic material in our cells. It transfers genetic information regarding hair colour, facial features, and other aspects of appearance to the next generation. DNA also contains information for a cell in the body about how to grow and how to perform vital activities.

UV radiation can damage DNA. The damage makes DNA less able to control cell growth and division. In some situations, this leads to the onset of cancer development. Most of the UV radiation comes from sunlight, but some from artificial sources such as UV booths. Some of these exposures can take place several years before cancer occurs. 

By understanding the causes of DNA changes leading to melanoma, gene therapy can be used to repair the resulting DNA damage.

So, what causes are associated with melanoma?

• Excessive Exposure of UV Radiation and Sunburn

The main source of UV radiation is SUNLIGHT. People who receive excessive exposure to light from these sources have an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. 

The amount of UV exposure depends on the light intensity, exposure time, and a screen. If you have had severe blistering burns, you are at increased risk of melanoma. 

Short-term, high-dose exposures are more dangerous for the development of melanoma than low-dose repeated exposures, even if the total dose of ultraviolet radiation is the same.

• Family History

The risk of melanoma is increased if one or more close relatives suffer from melanoma. Depending on the number of relatives who are sick, the risk can be up to 8 times higher than in people without a family history.

• Fair Skin, Freckles and Blonde Hair

The risk of melanoma is 20 times higher among white skin colour people. This is because the skin pigment has a protective effect. White people with red or blond hair, or white skin has freckles and burns quickly in the sun are particularly at increased risk of developing melanoma. 

Blue eyes also increase the risk of melanoma. Anyone can suffer from melanoma, especially on the palms, feet, under the nails, in the oral cavity and internal organs.

• Moles or Atypical Birthmark

Having moles or atypical birthmarks on the skin can increase the risk of melanoma. These moles are usually larger than common moles. 

If your family has relatives with moles, you have a 50% chance of developing such a disease. The lifetime risk of melanoma is 6-10% in patients with moles, depending on age, family history, and other factors. In addition, people with multiple and large moles are at increased risk of melanoma.

• Age

People over 50 years of age usually suffer from melanomas. However, melanoma can occur at a younger age (20-30 years). In fact, melanoma is one of the most common tumours in people under the age of 30. It develops at a younger age in people with a family history. 

• Living Near The Equator or At a Higher Elevation

People living closer to the equator of earth usually experience the direct sun’ rays, which can give birth to melanoma. In addition, people also encounter higher amounts of UV radiation than who lives farther north or south. In case, if you live at a high elevation, you are endangered to more UV radiation. 

• Weakened Immune System

People with a weakened immune system have a higher chance of experiencing an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. The immune system may be weakened if you take medication, such as after an organ transplant, or if you have a disease that weakens the immune system.

What Preventions Are Necessary!

Do these to prevent yourself from skin cancer:

• The sun’s rays are high between 10 am to 4 pm. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the sun during the middle of the day.
• Always wear sunscreen before getting out. So, use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.
• It would be more preventive if you cover your face, arms and legs with dark woven cloths. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat can protect your face from sunburn.
• Avoid artificial tanning like lamps and beds emit UV rays as they can increase the risk of skin cancer. 
• Examine your skin regularly so you can determine the changes in it. Check your face, neck, ears and scalp in the mirror. Do not forget to examine the chest, trunk, legs, feet, and the spaces between your toes. 
• For protecting yourself from such problems, you can hire a specialist at a laser clinic in Canberra. 

Thanks for reading!