Roughly 20 percent of Americans will develop some form of skin cancer before they turn 70 years old. Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer, responsible for around 7,100 deaths in the United States every year. The number of people diagnosed with melanoma has been on the rise for the past few decades. While the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent when the disease is caught in it’s early stages, it drops down to just 27 percent with later stage melanoma.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer. Unfortunately, it’s also more aggressive. Melanoma occurs when skin cells called melanocytes are damaged and begin to multiply at a dangerous rate. Unlike basal cell carcinoma (BBC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma will quickly spread to other organs and tissues if it goes untreated.

Types of Melanoma

There are four main types of melanoma, each with a slightly different prognosis. These are:

1. Superficial spreading melanoma: The most common type of melanoma, which starts by spreading across the upper most layer of skin.

1. Nodular melanoma: The second most common type of melanoma, which is often aggressive and quick to spread. Nodular melanoma cancers often feature hard bumps that rise above the surface of the skin.

1. Lentigo maligna melanoma: This usually affects older adults and people with very sun-damaged skin. It appears most often on the neck, face or scalp.

1. Acral lentiginous melanoma: This rare cancer usually affects men and women of Asian or African decent. It often develops on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

Known Causes and Risk Factors

Certain people are far more likely to develop melanoma than others. Some of these melanoma risk factors are within your control, while others are the result of genetics. You are at greater risk of getting melanoma if you:

• Smoke
• Use tanning beds or sun lamps
• Spend too much time in the sun with inadequate protection
• Have moles
• Are fair-skinned, light-haired or have freckles
• Have a family history of melanoma

Early Signs and Symptoms

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the “ABCDE” rule is the best way to spot melanoma cancer. This works as follows:

• A for Asymmetry – Nearly all melanoma cancers are asymmetrical
• B for Border – Melanoma patches have uneven borders
• C for Color – Affected moles are often “multi-colored” (different shades of brown)
• D for Diameter – Melanoma legions are usually more than 6 mm across
• E for Evolving – Changes in size or shape are warning signs

People who are more at risk of developing melanoma should check their skin thoroughly, at least once a month and keep track of any moles that are abnormal.

Treatment Options

Melanoma treatment depends on the location and severity of the cancer, plus the overall health of the patient. Early stage melanoma can usually be removed with relatively non-invasive surgery. If the cancer is larger or has spread to other areas of the body, doctors may recommend the following treatments:

• Surgery
• Laser surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Immunotherapy

When In Doubt, Get Checked Out

Be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible if you are concerned about any usual moles or patches on your skin. Melanoma is an extremely treatable disease, providing you catch it before it spreads to other tissues.

Search online to learn more about this disease, particularly how notice it, track any moles and take preventative measures. If you’re ever not sure, get checked out by a medical professional such as a dermatologist.