Summer UV Rays and Melanoma: What it is and how to treat it

2008-04-16 15:36:35 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness)

Dallas, Texas (WiredPRNews.com) — The summer rays of the sun and the days are quickly approaching where people put on their bathing suits and camp out by the pool for that golden bronze tan. Unfortunately, these dog days of summer and weekend boating excursions can have severe long term effects that can cause serious skin conditions up to and including cancer.

Melanoma is one of the most severe types of skin cancer one can be diagnosed with. In order to best treat the disease, it is is essential to know the basics such as melanoma occurs and how it can be treated. Read further for a simplified Q&A format of the key concerns that a melanoma cancer diagnosis can create.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer there is. Skin cancer is a type of cancer that is caused due to the unusual growth of skin cells. Melanoma occurs when it the deepest layers of tissues are affected and are at risk to spread elsewhere.

How do I know if I have it?

Although Melanoma can happen to anyone, it usually happens to fair skinned people, or men and women on their backs or necks.

• A large brown spot that can be located anywhere on your body.
• A bleeding mole that has an abnormal color.
• Unusual bumps on different places of your body

How did I get melanoma?

People who are exposed to large amounts of sunlight and UV light are at a greater risk to get this type of cancer. Others who are at risk include people who have fair skin, have had many sunburns previously, have fragile or weak skin, and those who have feeble immune systems. In recent years, the use of tanning beds have greatly increased the number of patients diagnosed with melanoma due to the harmful rays that the skin is closely exposed to while the person lays in the tanning booth.

How can I treat melanoma?

If you notice any of the symptoms of melanoma, most noticeably the different types of unusual moles, it is best to visit a doctor. There are many ways for treating this serious type of skin cancer such as:

• Laser Surgery
• Freezing the affected part
• Excision Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy

How can I prevent melanoma?

• Use sunblock
• Avoid going in the sun when not needed, and try to wear clothes that cover your skin.
• Take care of your skin
• Avoid tanning salons

Summer is a season where skin is exposed and the hours spent in the sun can be ultimately harmful. Armed with the knowledge of how to prevent melanoma and how to fight it, the public can spearhead the disease with patients with melanoma can have a more positive outlook and hope for a full recovery.

Staff Reporter