Melanoma is a common form of cancer that originates from cells in the skin. This condition tends to rapidly spread to other organs in the body, so getting treatment in the early stages is important. Every year, around more than 100,000 adults in the country are diagnosed with melanoma. So, being aware of the various aspects of this condition is crucial. Here are the risk factors, associated symptoms, and management of this skin cancer:

Causes and risk factors
These five factors are well known to increase the risk of melanoma:

Exposure to UV rays
Ultraviolet rays are emitted by sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Exposure to these rays can alter skin genetics and even damage the DNA resulting in its mutation, causing cells uncontrollably grow and develop into a malignant tumor. The regions most prone to developing melanoma include the chest, back, and legs. People living in areas where UV radiation is higher than normal may risk of developing this form of cancer on the face, neck, and arms.
Complexion
A fair skin complexion is usually a sign of low levels of a pigment called melanin, which is also a common risk factor for melanoma. People whose skin burns or freckles and never tans when exposed to sunlight are more prone to being diagnosed with this skin cancer. Other potential factors that play a role in raising the risk of melanoma include blue and green eyes and red and blonde hair.
Moles
A greater number of moles on the body increases one’s chances of melanoma. Moles are usually benign and often appear in children and young adults. Larger moles may undergo mutation and turn cancerous. These moles have uneven surfaces and often appear on skin that is either overexposed to direct sunlight or usually covered most of the time.
Family history
The risk of melanoma increases if first-degree relatives such as parents and siblings have a history or are currently suffering from melanoma. Sharing the same genetic abnormalities and lifestyle also factor in when it comes to this condition.

Signs and symptoms
The prognosis of melanoma is poor, which makes being aware of the symptoms a vital aspect. Oncologists typically follow the ABCDE guide:

Asymmetry
Irregularly shaped moles with unequal halves.
Border
Irregular borders that are notched or scalloped.
Color
Uneven distribution of brown or black shades.
Diameter
New growths that are larger than a fourth of an inch.
Evolving
Development into a painful tumor.

Some of the common growth sites include the back, face, legs, and arms. However, there are sites like the mouth, digestive tract, eyes, and under the nails where melanoma growth has been noticed. As the tumor grows, it invades the lymphatic system responsible for maintaining our body’s immunity. At this stage, patients will feel exhausted and become more vulnerable to infections due to compromised immunity. Once the tumor reaches the lymphatic system, the malignant cells spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment
Once melanoma is diagnosed, the treatment options offered by a doctor are,

Surgery
Moles and tumors responsible for melanoma can be surgically removed. However, doctors perform this procedure with a negative margin to make sure that no malignant cells are left behind in bordering tissues.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be either prescribed alone or with other options, depending on the severity of melanoma. The disadvantage of using this treatment is it damages healthy cells in the process of killing malignant ones, causing severe side effects. Hence, managing these side effects with alternative treatments and nutrition for a better quality of life is important.
Immunotherapy
This newer therapy for melanoma supercharges the immune system to detect and kill malignant cells in the body. Although immunotherapy is less severe than chemotherapy, it may not be effective for everyone. The case is such because its success rate depends on the genetic code of malignant cells, which differ in melanoma patients.
Radiotherapy
When radiotherapy is employed, high-intensity x-rays, gamma rays, or protons are focused on the tumor to burn it completely or shrink it in size, thereby removing it surgically.