Melanoma

What is melanoma❓ 

 A type of skin cancer (also called malignant melanoma) 

 Risk factors: sunbathing/ sunbed use, pale skin, runs in the family 

What are the symptoms of melanoma❓ 

 New mole that grows over a few months 📅

 Poorly defined edges, asymmetrically shaped, or uneven colouring 

How do you diagnose melanoma❓ 

 Having classical symptoms 

 Skin examination with a microscope 🔬

 If suspicious: procedure to cut it out (excision) for assessment 

 Lymph node sample taken (biopsy- if confirmed melanoma) 

How do you treat melanoma❓ 

 Excision may be curative 🔪

 Specialist cancer treatment 

 Prevention: avoid sunburn/ sunbeds, clothing to protect against the sun, broad-spectrum sunscreen 🌞

Why should I worry about melanoma❓ 

 Cancer spread to other parts of the body 

 Can be fatal 💀