Melanin is a pigment produced by the skin cells melanocytes found in the upper layers of the skin. The pigment is of two types: eumelanin, and pheomelanin. An imbalance takes place when you expose your skin to ultraviolet rays of the sun. A comprehensive journey of the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of melanoma equip you to handle the situation better.

Distinctive Symptoms
The ABCDE rule helps understand the symptoms of melanoma and how it feels to have one.

• Asymmetry
  The shapes of moles that are present don’t match each other
• Border
  The ends of the moles often appear blurred that are also rugged and uneven
• Color
  Multiple shades of moles include tan, black, and brown. Sometimes, it can also be a combination of gray, red, and bluish
• Diameter
  Moles are often over 6 millimeters in diameter. This can grow in size as time progresses
• Evolving
  A very important part of the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of melanoma is the continuous change in the appearance of the moles. They can keep changing in size and shape, and even in color and feel. It can also start growing in other areas of the body and become pretty hard and lumpy.

Risk factors of melanoma
The common risk factors on the lines of the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of melanoma include

• Overexposure or Unprotected Exposure to UV rays
  Ultraviolet rays from the sun and indoor bed tanning have a powerful and detrimental effect on your skin. It is the primary risk factor to develop melanoma and other skin cancers.
• Having Many Moles
  Though moles are not dangerous and are considered beauty marks, there is a faint chance of converting to melanoma.
• Fair Skin
  Individuals with fairer skin stand a greater chance of developing melanoma. This also includes those having red or blonde hair and blue-green eyes.
• Genetics
  Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome is a hereditary risk factor that greatly increases your risk of developing melanoma. It’s a combination forming an important part of the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of melanoma.

Effective Treatment Options for Melanoma
The treatment options subject to the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of melanoma are

• Lymphatic Mapping and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
  Dye and radioactive tracers are injected into the affected area to detect if the lymph nodes are affected by melanoma. One or more lymph nodes that are covered by the dye are removed to check for melanoma cells. The lymph nodes affected will then be removed via lymph node dissection.
• Radiation Therapy
  Intense X-rays are other particles used to destroy the cancer cells, often by external-beam radiation therapy. The machine is pointed at the body in various directions that are also blocked via special techniques to reduce side-effects. Different doses are given over a period of time to produce effective results.
• Lymph Node Dissection
  Cancer found in the sentinel lymph nodes can lead to the complete removal of all lymph nodes in that area. The complete lymph node dissection is carried out and needs a long recovery period. Fluid buildup is common, leading to a condition called lymphedema. Your doctor may suggest specific medications and treatments for this condition too.