Melanoma of the skin the 5th most common cancer in the United States.

Melanoma is a potentially lethal form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells that make the pigment melanin.  Melanoma represents one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer and is characterized by early metastasis and rapid development

 It may begin as a mole (skin melanoma) but can also begin in other pigmented tissues such as in the eye or in the intestines.

It can appear anywhere on the skin, but is often found on the arms, back, face, and legs, which are most often exposed to the sun. 

Melanoma can be very treatable if caught early, and over 95% of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early.  However, the survival rate for advanced stage melanomas is only 32%. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial.

There is an ABDCE RULE that describes warning features that could signify a skin melanoma:

• A is for asymmetry, if the shape of one half of the mole does not match the other.

• B is for border. A mole with blurred, irregular edges could be concerning.

•  C is for color, meaning a mole that has multiple colors and shades.

• D is for diameter. Some melanomas can be very small, but most are over 6 millimeters, about ¼ inch, wide.

• E is for evolving, meaning that the mole has changed over the past weeks or months.

Anyone who notices these features of a mole should be assessed by a dermatologist.  In addition, people who notice a new growth, a spot or bump that is increasing in size over time, a skin discoloration that is causing discomfort or a sore that does not resolve should also seek medical attention.

The exact cause of all melanomas is not clear. Most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds.

Limiting exposure to ultraviolet light can help reduce the risk of melanoma.

Hidden melanomas

Melanomas also can develop in areas of the body that have little or no exposure to the sun. These areas may include the spaces between the toes and on the palms, soles, scalp or genitals. These are sometimes referred to as hidden melanomas because they occur in places most people wouldn't think to check. When melanoma occurs in people with brown or Black skin, it's more likely to occur in a hidden area.

Hidden melanomas include:

•   Melanoma inside the body. Mucosal melanoma develops in the mucous membrane. This tissue lines the nose, mouth, esophagus, anus, urinary tract and vagina. Mucosal melanomas are especially difficult to detect because they can easily be mistaken for other far more common conditions.
•   Melanoma in the eye. Eye melanoma also is called ocular melanoma. It most often occurs in the layer of tissue beneath the white of the eye. This layer is called the uvea. An eye melanoma may cause vision changes and may be diagnosed during an eye exam.
•   Melanoma under a nail. Acral-lentiginous melanoma is a rare form of melanoma that can occur under a fingernail or toenail. It also can be found on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Acral-lentiginous melanoma tends to be very dark, flat and have very unusual borders. It's more common in people of Asian descent and people with brown or Black skin.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884

A sun safe lifestyle includes avoiding midday sun, seeking shade, regular use of and frequent re-application of non-toxic and reef safe SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, wide brimmed sun hats and UV blocking sunglasses, clothing and swimwear for a comprehensive approach. 

Oxidative stress and redox homeostasis are implicated in all phases of the development and progression of melanoma as well as in the emergence of drug resistance.

Improving intracellular antioxidant capacity may be achieved through dietary nutritional optimization.

Nutritional interventions may include a diet that provides

Antioxidant, sulforaphane, flavonoid and polyphenol rich fruits and vegetables and green tea catechins

as well as foods and supplements rich in Vitamin A, E, C, Niacinamide, N-Acetylcysteine, Selenium, Zinc, and Taurine have been shown to be mildly protective. 

Curcumin and resveratrol have also been shown to increase intracellular antioxidant status.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA promote inflammation control and have been shown to impact melanoma development and progression

We encourage our patients to EAT THE RAINBOW and include a wide variety of plant pigments from colorful fruits and vegetables. Patients can also include concentrated greens and reds powders as an additional and convenient source of protective phytochemicals

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10252072/

OutSmart Cancer® recommends non-toxic chemical free reef safe sunscreens.

Mineral based sunscreens are generally safe and rarely irritate the skin

We recommend checking the Environmental Working Group sunscreen ratings to identify the safest sunscreen products: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/