
Of all the skin cancers, melanoma is the one that scares doctors and patients the most. Luckily, there are now several options for treatment should you be diagnosed with this aggressive, sometimes deadly, cancer. Melanoma affects over 1 million Americans, and its rates have risen significantly in the past 30 years, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Here, experts explore what melanoma is, along with its causes, risk factors and key symptoms. Plus, you’ll learn about melanoma’s stages, types and treatments. What is melanoma? The American Cancer Society (ACS) explains that cancer occurs when cells begin to grow out of control. Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the pigment-making cells, known as “melanocytes.” While not as common as other forms of skin cancer, it is more serious. “Melanoma is more aggressive and more likely to spread to the lymph nodes,” said Dr. Hugh Greenway, a dermatologic surgeon with Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center and Scripps Clinic in California. “It’ll spread to the liver, to the brain and throughout the body if not checked.” According to the AAD, ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds is the cause of melanoma. Risk factors include: Blistering sunburns Tanning bed use Light skin, light-colored eyes, or red or blond hair Moles that are asymmetrical or large Time in the sun without protection Numerous… read on > read on >