Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

Gambaran keseluruhan

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the cells that give your skin its colour (called melanocytes). It can be serious if not caught early, but most melanomas can be cured when found and treated early.

Melanoma is not as common as other skin cancers, but rates have been rising over the years. It is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer.

Melanoma can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes. People who have many moles, a family history of melanoma, or a lot of sun exposure (including from tanning beds) are at higher risk.

Gejala

Gejala biasa

• A change in an existing mole – for example, it becomes larger, changes colour, or develops an irregular border.
• A new growth or spot on your skin that looks unusual and does not go away.
• A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes crusty.

Gejala pada kanak-kanak

• Melanoma in children is rare, but it may appear as a changing mole with irregular shape or colour.
• Sometimes children can have a bleeding, itchy, or painful spot on the skin.

Gejala pada orang dewasa yang lebih tua

• In older adults, melanoma often appears on areas that have had a lot of sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, and hands.
• Older adults may also notice a changing spot on sun-damaged skin.

Punca

Punca utama

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds damages the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to melanoma.

Faktor risiko

• Fair skin, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes.
• A large number of moles (more than 50) or moles that look unusual (dysplastic nevi).
• A family history of melanoma in a close relative (parent, sibling, child).
• A weakened immune system, for example from an organ transplant or certain medical conditions.
• A history of severe sunburns, especially as a child or teenager.

Bila perlu berjumpa doktor

Jumpa doktor dengan segera jika:

• Any mole or skin spot that is changing shape, size, or colour.
• A mole that bleeds, itches, or becomes crusty.

Buat temujanji rutin jika:

• If you have a high risk of melanoma (due to skin type, many moles, or family history), ask your doctor about regular skin checks.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine your skin closely, including any spots that look suspicious. If they think it might be melanoma, they will remove a piece or the entire spot for testing.

Ujian yang mungkin dilakukan

• Skin biopsy – a small procedure where the suspicious area is numbed and a sample of skin is taken to be looked at under a microscope.

Apa yang diharapkan semasa temujanji anda

The biopsy is usually done in your doctor's office or a clinic. You will get a local anaesthetic to numb the area, so it should not hurt. The sample is sent to a lab, and results often come back in 1 to 2 weeks.

Rawatan

Treatment depends on how deep the melanoma has grown and whether it has spread. The main treatment is surgery to remove the melanoma and a small rim of healthy skin around it. If the melanoma has spread, additional treatments may be needed.

Penjagaan diri di rumah

• Protect your skin from the sun every day – wear broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
• Check your own skin regularly for new or changing spots.
• Do not use tanning beds.

Rawatan perubatan

For early melanoma, surgery alone may be enough. If the melanoma is deeper or has spread to lymph nodes, doctors may recommend additional treatments such as immunotherapy (which helps your immune system fight cancer), targeted therapy (for melanomas with specific gene changes), or radiation therapy. Your healthcare team will explain the best options for your situation.

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Surgery is almost always the first treatment for melanoma. For early-stage melanomas, surgery may be the only treatment needed and often cures the condition.

Hidup dengan keadaan ini

After treatment, you will need regular follow-up appointments to check your skin and make sure the melanoma has not come back. You should also get into the habit of checking your own skin each month.

Tip gaya hidup

• Avoid intense sun exposure, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it is cloudy.
• Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Diet dan senaman

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying active can help support your overall health. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

Kesihatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosi

A melanoma diagnosis can cause fear, anxiety, and worry about the future. These feelings are normal. It may help to talk with a counsellor or join a support group. Remember, many people are treated successfully.

Pencegahan

Many cases of melanoma can be prevented by protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Avoid sunburns, do not use tanning beds, and practice sun safety every day.

Vaksin

There is no vaccine that prevents melanoma directly. However, vaccines against certain viruses (like HPV) can prevent other cancers, but they do not prevent melanoma.

Program saringan

Routine melanoma screening is not recommended for the general public. However, people at high risk (such as those with many moles or a strong family history) may benefit from regular skin examinations by a dermatologist. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak dirawat

• If left untreated, melanoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs, such as the lungs, liver, brain, or bones. This makes it much harder to treat.

Pandangan jangka panjang

When caught early, melanoma has a very high survival rate. Even if it has spread, treatments have improved greatly over the past decade. With proper medical care, many people with melanoma live long, healthy lives.

Cari sokongan

Organisasi antarabangsa

• Melanoma Research Foundation ↗
• Skin Cancer Foundation ↗

Organisasi tempatan

• British Association of Dermatologists ↗ · United Kingdom
• Cancer Research UK ↗ · United Kingdom

Talian bantuan

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