Melanoma
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in the pigment cells of the body, known as melanocytes. Melanocytes are specialised cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for much of the colour of our skin. Melanin helps protect the skin’s cells from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation (e.g. sunlight or solariums/tanning beds).
Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world and melanoma is one of the most common cancers affecting both men and women in Australia.
What causes melanoma?
Melanomas form when abnormal melanocytes grow in an uncontrolled way. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of most skin cancers. UV radiation can damage the DNA inside our skin cells. This damage can build up over time, particularly with repeated or intense sun exposure and sunburn.
Melanomas can develop from existing moles, but they can also develop as a new spot anywhere on the skin, including areas that don't regularly see the sun, such as the soles of the feet and between the toes.
When melanoma is detected early, it can often be treated successfully before it spreads to other parts of the body. However, if melanoma is left untreated, it can spread and become life-threatening.
Who is at risk for melanoma?
Melanoma can affect anyone, but some factors increase the risk
Unprotected sun exposure
Tanning or sunburn, especially as a child
Lots of moles
Atypical moles
A previous melanoma or other type of skin cancer
Fair skin, blue eyes, red hair or skin that burns easily
A family history of melanoma (particularly a close relative who was diagnosed at a young age or multiple relatives with melanoma)
Having one or more of these doesn't mean that you will develop melanoma — it just means regular checks are worth prioritising.
What does it look like?
A melanoma can take several shapes, forms and sizes and can look different on everyone. Melanomas may be brown or pink or red or a combination of colours. Sometimes a melanoma forms within an existing mole or it can appear as a new spot out of nowhere. It is for this reason why it is so important to know the spots you have on your skin and have regular skin checks with a professional.
Here is a guide to help you recognise a melanoma
It's important to remember that not all melanomas follow the ABCDE rules. Some can look quite different, which is why any new, unusual or changing spot is worth having checked.
The key to detecting melanomas early is knowing your own skin and noticing changes. Get to know the spots and moles you have, check your skin regularly, and have professional skin checks yearly or as directed by your doctor.
How is Melanoma treated?
If a spot is suspicious for melanoma, it will usually need to be biopsied or removed and sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. The pathology results help guide your doctor's recommendations for treatment . Often, further excision is required to obtain an appropriate margin of normal skin around the melanoma (this means the amount of ‘clear’ skin between the melanoma and the edge of the excision). The pathology will guide the doctor's recommendation for further treatment if required.
If there are any spots on your body that fit any of the above criteria or that you are concerned about, book in to have it checked by a professional.
At Gawler & Barossa Skin Cancer Clinic, as well as full body skin checks, we offer spot checks if you have one or two spots you are concerned about.
Give the clinic a call on (08) 7557 9611 to book your appointment. Or head over to our website https://www.gawlerbarossaskincancerclinic.com.au to book your appointment. There you can also read more about our Doctors and melanographer, see our pricing structure and read our other blog posts.
For more information on melanoma, check out these websites
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