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An overview on Melanoma

Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer that often arises in form of mole due to uncontrolled growth of skin cells called melanocytes. Studies reveal that 75% of death arising due to skin cancer is because of Melanoma. It also forms near eyes and bowel.

Melanoma is caused due to genetic factors. Person with a family history of melanoma have high risk of inheriting it. Increased exposure to hot sun (UV rays) and usage of sun-beds etc. are also the causes for Melanoma. People affected by sunburns in childhood have chances of developing Melanoma in later stage of their life.

Melanoma can be diagnosed thru self-examinations or clinical test (biopsy) thru a dermatologist. Irregular change in mole, mole with irregular edges, mole in different colors is some of the symptoms of Melanoma.

Melanoma can be treated thru different ways. Most often it is treated by surgery in which the mole is removed. Radiation therapy (internal and external) is useful in treating Melanoma, in which high radiation is used to kill the cancer cells. Treatments like Chemotherapy (usage of oral-medications or injections), immunotherapy (stimulation of immunity), biological therapy are quite effective in treating Melanoma. Treatment depends upon the patient’s body condition and severity of disease.