What is the main cause of melanoma?
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is a major risk factor for most melanomas. Sunlight is the main source of UV rays. Tanning beds and sun lamps are also sources of UV rays. While UV rays make up only a very small portion of the sun’s rays, they are the main cause of the damaging effects of the sun on the skin.
Why is melanoma so common in New Zealand?
Ultraviolet radiation exposure
UV radiation from the sun (and tanning devices) is the primary cause of the uncontrolled melanocyte proliferation seen in melanoma. New Zealand has relatively high levels of UV radiation compared to other countries.
Who is prone to melanoma?
People with fair complexion, blond or red hair, blue eyes, and freckles are at increased risk for developing melanoma. This risk is also higher for people whose skin has a tendency to burn rather than tan. Family history. About 10% of people with melanoma have a family history of the disease.
Can you have melanoma for years and not know?
How long can you have melanoma and not know it? It depends on the type of melanoma. For example, nodular melanoma grows rapidly over a matter of weeks, while a radial melanoma can slowly spread over the span of a decade. Like a cavity, a melanoma may grow for years before producing any significant symptoms.
Where does melanoma usually spread to first?
Normally, the first place a melanoma tumor metastasizes to is the lymph nodes, by literally draining melanoma cells into the lymphatic fluid, which carries the melanoma cells through the lymphatic channels to the nearest lymph node basin.
What melanoma looks like NZ?
Border – The edges are often ragged, notched, blurred, or irregular in outline; the pigment may spread into the surrounding skin. Colour – The colour is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, grey, red, pink, or blue also may be seen.
What are the different ways to prevent melanoma?
The most important way to lower your risk of melanoma is to protect yourself from exposure to UV rays. Practice sun safety when you are outdoors.
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Limit your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays
- Slip on a shirt.
- Slop on sunscreen.
- Slap on a hat.
- Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.
What is the incidence rate of melanoma?
Based on data from 2012 to 2016, about 77,698 new cases of melanoma occurred in the United States each year, including 45,854 among men and 31,845 among women. The overall incidence rate of melanoma was 21.8 per 100,000.
How does melanoma make you feel?
General symptoms
hard or swollen lymph nodes. hard lump on your skin. unexplained pain. feeling very tired or unwell.
How long does it take for melanoma to spread?
Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.
What foods help fight melanoma?
Antioxidants and Melanoma
Studies show selenium-rich diets may also reduce risk for melanoma and support survivorship. Foods rich in this antioxidant include Brazil nuts, scallops, lobster, barley, oats, whole wheat, wheat germ and milk.