Stem Cell Injections
Melanoma is a cancerous tumor growth on any part of the body. This growth usually has pigment-containing cells also referred to as melanocytes. This can be found typically on the skin. Although it can occur in other places like the mouth, eyes and the intestines, this is a rare occurrence. They can also grow in extremities, such as the legs of women, and on the back of men. The most common cause of melanoma is the prolonged exposure to ultra-violet radiations, especially in people with low skin pigments. It’s important to know that these radiations can be from the sun, and can also be from artificial sources, such as tanning machines. Another cause of melanoma is the development of moles. People with a lot of moles on their body, coupled with a family history of melanoma, and weak immune system have a high risk of having melanoma. However, there are several ways of protecting yourself from having this disease. Some of the things that can be done to prevent this disease are the use of sunscreen and staying away from excess and prolonged exposure to Ultra-violet radiations. This disease is usually treated by surgery. Although, people with large melanomas might be tested, to check for any possibility of metastasis to nearby lymph nodes. The prognosis is generally good if there is no metastasis, however, in those that have experienced metastasis, serious treatment procedure has to be done. For example, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy might be used to improve the chances of survival of the patient. Melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer. This disease is more common in women than in men. Recently, those in the stem cell business have been able to identify a cancer stem cell, that is responsible for the growth of the tumor.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Melanoma?
This medical condition can occur in any part of the body, although it has a predilection for the skin. Parts exposed to the sun, have a possibility of being affected by melanoma. However, this disease can also occur in parts that don’t receive as much sun exposure. Example of such places include the feet, sole, fingernail, and even the palms of the hand. The earliest sign and symptom of the hands are;
- An alteration in the existing mole
- The appearance of a pigmented growth on the skin.
The other early signs of this disease include;
- Asymmetry: Melanoma is usually asymmetrical.
- Borders: The growth typically has irregular edges and uneven corners.
- Color: They might also present with different colors. They don’t usually exist in one color.
- Diameter: The diameter of the growth is usually greater than 6mm, and might be as big as the size of an eraser.
- Progression: Melanoma grows over time. It’s usually not static, but it keeps evolving.
There is the nodular melanoma, which is the most severe and life-threatening form of melanoma. This type of melanoma usually grows above the skin surface, and it’s rigid in texture, and firm to touch. Also, it keeps evolving and growing.
What Are The Causes Of Melanoma?
This type of cancer is generally caused by a damage that is done to the DNA, as a result of overexposure to ultraviolet radiations. Genetics also plays a role in the development of this disease, as well as a weakened immune system, and the growth of moles. A suppressed immune system makes it easy for cancer cells to grow and develop in the body. Below are some of the causes of melanoma;
- Ultraviolet radiations: The radiations from the sun and other artificial sources such as tanning machine increase the risk of having melanoma. International research bodies On Cancer have noted that tanning beds are “carcinogenic to humans”. In addition, they noted that those who use tanning machines have an approximately 80% of developing melanoma. Ultraviolet radiations are the most common cause of this disease. Sunburns have also been connected to the development of this disease. Also, scientists have noted that mutations of the suppressor genes significantly increase the risk of the occurrence of melanoma.
- Genetics: People who have relatives that have had the disease, have more chances of developing melanoma. There are some genes that increase the risk of getting affected by it. However, there is a good news, there are tests that can be done to test for the presence of these genes. In addition, the mutation of suppressor genes greatly increases the risk of getting affected by melanoma.
What Are The Risk Factors For Melanoma?
There are some factors that predispose people to the development of this disease. Some of these factors are;
- Type of skin: People with skin that has a low amount of pigments ( melanin) have a higher chance of developing melanoma. Examples of these people are light skinned humans. In addition, people with blonde hair, and red hair have more chances of developing melanoma. However, this disease can likewise occur in people with dark skin, including black people.
- Heredity: People who have relatives that were affected by melanoma, usually have more risks of developing melanoma.
- Immune system: People who have a weakened or suppressed immune system have more risks of getting affected by melanoma. Examples of such people are organ transplant patients, patients with AIDS and so on. A weakened immune system gives room for the abnormal cells to freely differentiate and grow.
- Prolonged exposure ultraviolet radiations: People that make use of tanning beds, and tanning machines are more predisposed to having melanoma. In addition, frequently exposing the skin to ultraviolet radiations from the sun, without any form of sunscreen also increases the risk of having melanoma.
How Is Melanoma Currently Treated?
Early stage melanoma can be treated by surgery. This would be efficient if cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. However, in cases where the melanoma has metastasized, then other treatment procedures would be recommended. This would usually include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and so on.
Stem Cell Therapy And Melanoma
Researchers have successfully isolated a melanoma cancer stem cell that is responsible for the growth of cancer. Studies are still being done on how to eliminate and suppress this cancer stem cell.
References
Anon, (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.melanoma.org/understand-melanoma/what-is-melanoma [Accessed 28 Feb. 2018].
Arenberger, P. (2010). Current approaches in melanoma screening. Melanoma Research, 20, p.e17.
Bauer, J. (2010). Molecular epidemiology of melanoma. Melanoma Research, 20, p.e8.
Varum, S. and Sommer, L. (2013). Generating melanocytes from human pluripotent stem cells. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 26(5), pp.608-610.
