Melanoma is a malignant skin cancer that can be life-threatening. It occurs as a result of the abnormal, uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color. Although less common than other types of skin cancer, melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Unfortunately, the incidence of melanoma has been steadily increasing in recent years. However, advances in early diagnosis and treatment methods have been encouraging, and the survival of patients diagnosed with melanoma has increased compared to previous years.
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin covering our bodies. In women, it is most common on the legs and in men, it is most common on the back. Melanoma usually begins as a dark brown or black spot or bump and can grow over time. It may develop pink or blue hues or become darker; rarely, it may be colorless. Over time, the lesions may develop pink or blue hues or lighten the existing dark color. Melanoma can appear suddenly and without warning on otherwise normal skin. It can also develop from a pre-existing mole.
Being aware of the changes in our skin and how our moles appear, and consulting a dermatologist in case of any differences, greatly increases the chance of early diagnosis of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
A computerized dermoscopy and whole-body mole mapping device (FotoFinder ATBM master), used for early diagnosis of many skin cancers, especially melanoma, has been purchased for our hospital's Dermatology Department. May it be beneficial for all our people.
