Malignant melanoma

a type of skin cancer
Cancer care
cancer diagnosis

The primary known cause of melanoma, as well as all other types of skin cancer, is exposure to ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight.

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How common is skin cancer?

Below is a statistic on melanoma

51%
51%
51%
of patients diagnosed with melanoma are males and 48% are older than 60 years of age.

Other types of cancer

Below you can find information on other types of cancer screenings that you might be interested in.

Bladder cancer

Cancer of the bladder

The fourth most common cancer in men and the twelfth most common cancer in women.

Breast cancer

Cancer of the breast

Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts and can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women.

Cervical cancer

Cancer of the cervix

If detected early, cancer of the cervix can be one of the most successfully treatable cancers...

Colorectal cancer

Cancer of the rectum or colon

Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.

Sarcoma

Cancerous tumours of the soft tissues

A broad term for cancers that start in soft tissues like muscle, tendons, fat, lymph and blood vessels, and nerves.

Throat cancer

Cancer of the throat

A fast-growing cancer; therefore early treatment is key to having a good quality of life.

Lung Cancer

Caner of the lung

People who smoke are at a greater risk of getting lung cancer, though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked.

Melanoma

A type of skin cancer

The primary known cause of melanoma, as well as all other types of skin cancer, is exposure to ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight.

Lymphoma

Cancer of lymphocytes

Lymphoma can be divided broadly into 2 types of lymphoma: Hodgkins Lymphoma or Hodgkins Disease (HD) and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL).

Head and neck cancers

Cancer of the head and neck

These cancers, that could include oesophageal cancer, usually begin in the cells that line the moist surfaces (mucosal membranes) inside the...

Ovarian cancer

Cancer of the ovary

Recent evidence suggests that many ovarian cancers may actually start in the cells in the far end of the fallopian...

Prostate cancer

Cancer of the prostate gland

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. The lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men in South Africa, is 1 in 18.

Stomach cancer

Also known as gastric cancer

Most cancers of the stomach are adenocarcinomas. These cancers develop from the gland cells in the innermost lining of the stomach.

Thyroid cancer

Cancer of the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland makes hormones that help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Uterine cancer

Cancer of the uterus or womb

Most uterine cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus.

 
 
 

Skin Cancer

Malignant melanoma is cancer of the melanocyte, the pigment cell of the skin. Unlike most other types of skin cancer, malignant melanoma can spread, or metastasise, through the lymph system and the bloodstream.

Therefore, it is very important that this type of skin cancer be detected in the earliest possible stage. Over 70 percent of cases of early melanoma can be cured. However, the prognosis is not as favourable for cases that are treated in later stages. Other factors that influence the outcome of treatment include age and general health.

The primary known cause of melanoma, as well as all other types of skin cancer, is exposure to ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight. Therefore, the best way to avoid melanoma is to protect the skin from sun exposure and any other sources of ultraviolet radiation. People living in sunny climates have a higher risk for melanoma, as do those with fair skin, skin that freckles, blond or red hair, or blue eyes. However, melanoma can also occur in people with a dark skin.

Some people with lots of moles, also called nevi, that contain abnormal cells have an increased risk of developing melanoma. All abnormal moles or nevi should be watched closely for changes. The tendency to have this condition usually runs in families.

Melanoma forms without causing any symptoms of illness. Therefore, it is extremely important to be aware of the signs, especially in people with known risk factors. Regular screening is very important for early detection. Everyone should examine their skin themselves on a regular basis. The hallmark sign of melanoma is a change in size or shape of a mole. "ABCD" is an abbreviation used to make it easy to remember the four basic signs of possible melanoma:

Regular screening is very important for early detection. Everyone should examine their skin themselves on a regular basis. The hallmark sign of melanoma is a change in size or shape of a mole. "ABCD" is an abbreviation used to make it easy to remember the four basic signs of possible melanoma:

  • Asymmetry - The shape of one-half of a mole does not match the other
  • Border - The edges are ragged, notched or blurred
  • Colour - The colour is uneven and shades of black, brown or tan are present. Areas of white, red or blue may also be seen
  • Diameter - There is a change in size. The mole may be raised or flat, round or oval
The tendency to have this condition usually runs in families.
 
  • Asymmetry - The shape of one-half of a mole does not match the other
  • Border - The edges are ragged, notched or blurred
  • Colour - The colour is uneven and shades of black, brown or tan are present. Areas of white, red or blue may also be seen
  • Diameter - There is a change in size. The mole may be raised or flat, round or oval

Other signs to watch for include a mole that scales, oozes, bleeds or changes in the way it feels. Some moles will become hard, lumpy, itchy, swollen or tender. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole.

Biopsy is the only definitive test for melanoma.

Call a doctor if

You notice one or more of the signs just mentioned. If you have a dysplastic nevus, your doctor may recommend that it be watched closely for changes, or may opt to remove it to be safe. If your doctor finds a mole that is suspicious, a skin biopsy will most likely be performed, and all or part of the mole tissue will be removed for analysis. This can usually be done in the doctor's office under local anaesthetic. Biopsy is the only definitive test for melanoma.

If a skin biopsy is positive for melanoma, the stage of the cancer will need to be determined, which will dictate the type of treatment necessary. Most people with melanoma will be treated by surgery. Skin grafts may be needed if the amount of tissue removed is extensive. Some amount of scarring may be unavoidable. Additional cosmetic surgery for repair may be an option.

If it is determined that the cancer has already metastasised, or it is suspected to have metastasised, chemotherapy may be recommended following surgery; this is called adjuvant therapy. Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs may be administered, along with biotherapy, which utilizes natural or synthesized components of the body's own immune system. Regardless of the regimen selected, compliance with treatment recommendations, follow-up, self-care and continued practice of preventive measures are very important.

Biopsy is the only definitive test for melanoma.

If it is determined that the cancer has already metastasised, or it is suspected to have metastasised, chemotherapy may be recommended following surgery; this is called adjuvant therapy. Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs may be administered, along with biotherapy, which utilizes natural or synthesized components of the body's own immune system. Regardless of the regimen selected, compliance with treatment recommendations, follow-up, self-care and continued practice of preventive measures are very important.

As with many cancers, the best approach to melanoma is prevention

  • Stay out of the sun — especially if you have fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a current diagnosis of skin cancer
  • If you cannot avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing (hats and long sleeves) and gradually build up exposure to sunlight
  • Avoid or limit sunlight exposure between 11H00 and 15H00
  • Some medications can greatly increase the likelihood of sunburn. Consult all prescription and over-the-counter medications for precautions about sun exposure.
  • Sunscreen should ALWAYS be used on all skin surfaces that are exposed to sunlight. Sunscreens are rated by a sun protection factor (SPF) that is printed on the container; the higher the SPF number, the greater the protection, therefore, select a sunscreen with a high number. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is an active ingredient in many sunscreens.
  • Ensure children are adequately protected from the sun. This is especially important because exposure during childhood is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma later in life.

A wide variety of personal and practical concerns need to be addressed by people with cancer, especially metastatic cancer. Find out what resources are available in your area; the nearest office of the Cancer Association of S.A. will be listed in your telephone directory. You may also contact the social services department of your local hospital or your doctor's office for more information. In addition, free, illustrated pamphlets is available from your local branch of the Cancer Association of S.A.

 

A wide variety of personal and practical concerns need to be addressed by people with cancer, especially metastatic cancer. Find out what resources are available in your area; the nearest office of the Cancer Association of S.A. will be listed in your telephone directory. You may also contact the social services department of your local hospital or your doctor's office for more information. In addition, free, illustrated pamphlets is available from your local branch of the Cancer Association of S.A.

Compliance with treatment recommendations, follow-up, self-care and continued practice of preventive measures are very important.

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