Melanoma
Research of a Medical Topic for BIOMED1025
Alivia Garbe
Summary:
Though the cancer is more common in females, males are just as likely to be diagnosed. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body. Spotting unusual growths or new pigment on the skin is the main way of detecting this deadly cancer. Also paying close attention to any moles that may exist on the skin. How can you tell if that annoying mole is healthy? Think symmetry. Moles are generally round or oval in shape and smaller than a quarter of an inch. Most people have at least 10-50 moles in total. A good rule of thumb stated on the Mayo Clinic Website, is the ABCDE method.
A : asymmetric shape; making sure all moles have regular round/oval shape.
B : irregular border; moles should have a distinct border, providing clear separation between mole and skin.
C : change in color; all moles should be of a brown, tan or black color, if these colors change have a doctor look at them.
D : diameter; as stated before moles should be no bigger than the size of a pea.
E : evolving; as be aware of the moles on your body and note any changes.
Sometimes melanoma can be hard to find. Sometimes it is not as easy as spotting a change in a mole. Melanoma change develop in areas that rarely ever get any UV radiation. Make sure a regular check up with a dermatologist is scheduled to prevent any unnoticed melanoma.
Naturally melanin is good, producing color for our skin giving us a nice tan. Too much UV radiation though can cause serious damage. Cancer is caused by damage to our DNA cells, and once the damage occurs the cells begin to grow out of control creating a mass of cancerous cells. A higher risk of developing melanoma is at stake for those with fair skin and those more prone to sunburns. Also those with a greater amount of moles or a family history of melanoma. Avoiding the cancer can be easy, limit your time in the sun and keep clear of tanning beds all together. Yes that tan looks good, but it can be deadly.
Word Analysis:
carcin (CF) : cancer
-oma (S) : Tumor, mass, fluid collection
Definition- a cancer arising in the epithelial tissue of the skin or o the lining of the internal organs.
(http://vocaroo.com/i/s07W28FEghRr)
Amelanotic
a- (P) : no, not, without, lack of, apart
melan/o (CF) : black
-tic (S) : pertaining to
Definition - A type of melanoma that is unpigmented.
(http://vocaroo.com/i/s1fYQ8cnXWBi)
Biopsy
bi/o (CF) : life
-opsy (S) : to view
Definition - A sample of tissue removed for a mole or skin lesion suspected of being abnormal or cancerous.
(http://vocaroo.com/i/s1PEkmS1XnVz)
Cutaneous
cutane/o (CF) : skin
-us (S) : pertaining to, structure, condition
Definiton - of or pertaining to the skin
(http://vocaroo.com/i/s00aRr9YY4ZH)
Dermatology
dermat/o- (P) : skin
-logy (S) : study of
Definition - the study of skin
Sources of information:
Work Sited:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site
"Skin Cancer Foundation." Skin Cancer Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2016.
Video Credit :
Mayo Clinic- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPCPxklEFAk
Melanoma Amination- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vJSsJdSosU