Malignant Melanoma

Malignant Melanoma or Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of skin cells. Melanin is the pigment that colours the skin, hair and the iris of the eyes. Malignant melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer which usually starts in the skin, either in a mole or in normal-looking skin. Melanoma accounts for only 4% of all skin cancers however, it causes the greatest number of skin cancer–related deaths worldwide. Early detection of thin cutaneous melanoma is the best means of reducing mortality. Malignant melanoma is becoming more common, probably because of the increasing number of people from hot climates who are exposed to strong sunlight. Cases of malignant melanoma have doubled every ten years for the past 40 years. Less than a third of skin melanomas arise from pre-existing moles and hairy moles hardly ever turn into malignant melanomas. A malignant melanoma is just one type of skin cancer. Compared to other forms of skin cancer, a malignant melanoma has a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body so you should get any unusual changes in your skin checked by your GP as early as possible.

Normal melanocytes are found in the basal layer of the epidermis, i.e. the bottom part of the outer layer of the skin. The skin protects our body from heat, injury, infection, water loss and sunlight. Melanoma most often develops in the skin (cutaneous), but it can also occur in the eye (ocular), and in other areas of the body where melanocytes are found. Melanocytes are found in equal numbers in black and in white skin, but the melanocytes in black skin produce much more melanin. People with dark brown or black skin are very much less likely to be damaged by UV radiation than those with white skin. Melanoma cancer can occur at any age and it may be found growing anywhere on the skin. Typically, it appears as a black to dark brown growth. The margins and surface of the growth are often irregular. It may grow rapidly and sometimes it may bleed.

Causes of Malignant Melanoma

The common Causes of Malignant Melanoma :

Ultraviolet radiation used in indoor tanning equipment may also cause melanoma.
People whose skin burns easily are most at risk of developing melanoma - typically people with fair skin, fair or red hair, and blue eyes.
Basal cell carcinoma develops from abnormal growth of the cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis and is the most common type of skin cancer.
Melanoma occurs in the melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) and is less common than squamous or basal cell carcinoma -- but more dangerous. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Symptoms of Malignant Melanoma

Some Symptoms of Malignant Melanoma :

Change in colour.
Change in shape.
Diameter.

Nails Care

Anychia
Clawing of the Nails
Clubbing
Discoloration of the Nail Plate
Ingrowing Toe Nail
Koilonychia
Longitudinal Striations
Loss of Nail Plate
Onycholysis
Paronychia
Pitting of Nail Plates
Pterygium
Thickening of Nail Plate
Transverse Ridges

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