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There are a number of types of skin cancer. I have written previously about squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, and while both are serious and require immediate treatment, the most dangerous form of skin cancer is undoubtedly melanoma.
It differs from other forms of skin cancer and is common in Ireland. According to the Irish Cancer Society there were 984 cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed here in 2013, but incidents of the disease are expected to increase significantly.
When caught early it is quite treatable, but poses a significant threat if neglected, so it is very important to know what to look for and detect it early.
As with most skin cancers, UV or ultraviolet light is one of the main causes, although there are certain factors that may make you more susceptible to the disease.
Melanoma develops in cells in the skin called melanocytes, which are located between the dermis and epidermis. As you might guess from the name, melanocytes make the pigment melanin, which gives skin its colour and helps to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
While everyone has the same number of melanocytes, darker skin types have more melanin and if you’re very pale, your melanocytes are less active and make less pigment. Fair skinned people are more at risk of developing the disease and the chances of a person developing melanoma increases with age.
Melanomas occur when the DNA in the melanocytes has been damaged or mutated, usually by exposure to UV rays. These mutations cause the skin cells to rapidly multiply and form malignant tumours in the basal layer of the epidermis.
There are a number of types of melanoma to be aware of. Superficial spreading melanoma grows on the surface of the skin and is the most common form of this cancer. It often appears on the legs, back or chest and can often develop from a mole that has suddenly changed.
Another common type is nodular melanoma, and this tends to develop more in men. It can occur in skin that, despite all the warnings about UV, isn’t exposed to the sun very often and it works its way down to the deeper layers of the skin. Visually it tends to be a raised, brown or black area.
Melanomas can often look like moles and indeed some do develop from moles, so it is very important to look for any unusual or sudden changes in them. Become familiar with what is normal for you and perform a self-check regularly. The ABCDE signs of the melanoma checklist can be very helpful:
If you see anything unusual, don’t hesitate to have it checked by your doctor. It is always wise to be sure there is nothing going on.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and, because being sun smart is important in reducing the risk of skin damage from UV rays, download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
There are a number of types of skin cancer. I have written previously about squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, and while both are serious and require immediate treatment, the most dangerous form of skin cancer is undoubtedly melanoma.
It differs from other forms of skin cancer and is common in Ireland. According to the Irish Cancer Society there were 984 cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed here in 2013, but incidents of the disease are expected to increase significantly.
When caught early it is quite treatable, but poses a significant threat if neglected, so it is very important to know what to look for and detect it early.
As with most skin cancers, UV or ultraviolet light is one of the main causes, although there are certain factors that may make you more susceptible to the disease.
Melanoma develops in cells in the skin called melanocytes, which are located between the dermis and epidermis. As you might guess from the name, melanocytes make the pigment melanin, which gives skin its colour and helps to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
While everyone has the same number of melanocytes, darker skin types have more melanin and if you’re very pale, your melanocytes are less active and make less pigment. Fair skinned people are more at risk of developing the disease and the chances of a person developing melanoma increases with age.
Melanomas occur when the DNA in the melanocytes has been damaged or mutated, usually by exposure to UV rays. These mutations cause the skin cells to rapidly multiply and form malignant tumours in the basal layer of the epidermis.
There are a number of types of melanoma to be aware of. Superficial spreading melanoma grows on the surface of the skin and is the most common form of this cancer. It often appears on the legs, back or chest and can often develop from a mole that has suddenly changed.
Another common type is nodular melanoma, and this tends to develop more in men. It can occur in skin that, despite all the warnings about UV, isn’t exposed to the sun very often and it works its way down to the deeper layers of the skin. Visually it tends to be a raised, brown or black area.
Melanomas can often look like moles and indeed some do develop from moles, so it is very important to look for any unusual or sudden changes in them. Become familiar with what is normal for you and perform a self-check regularly. The ABCDE signs of the melanoma checklist can be very helpful:
If you see anything unusual, don’t hesitate to have it checked by your doctor. It is always wise to be sure there is nothing going on.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and, because being sun smart is important in reducing the risk of skin damage from UV rays, download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
