Melanoma: What You Should Know

I will be presenting a series of posts dedicated to Melanoma. Did you know that one million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year? Melanoma will be found in about 60,000 of that number and it is the most serious of the common types of skin cancer.

If Melanoma is detected early, it can be treated successfully. There are three forms of skin cancer. Basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas and Melanoma.

Diagnosing Melanoma early can be cured and it's very important to notices any changes in your skin. I hope this series of posts will bring about awareness and knowledge that is so important in saving your life.

Now that summer is officially over, it is a good time to learn about Melanoma. The hot weather and abundant sunshine keeps most of us outdoors. Laying on beaches, playing sports, family gatherings etc...While out in the sun our skin tans. Some people tan in tanning booths. You will learn in a later post, how receiving a lot of sun exposure can put you at risk for developing Melanoma.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin coloring or protective pigment called melanin.

Melanin helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. When you are exposed to sunlight, the melanin in your skin increases and your skin darkens.

Melanoma can spread if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Once melanoma cells reach vital organs and it grows, they are more difficult to treat and much less likely to be cured.

Melanoma can appear on the skin without warning. It can also begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin. It's very important to know the color, size and location of the moles on your body or other dark spots. It will be easier to determine any changes that may occur.

Coming Next:
What Causes Melanoma?