Melanoma By Libby Walker, Jessica Morehouse, Rebecca Jurovich, Ashley Leonard

What Is Melanoma, How Do You Get It? A cancerous disease that infects the skin. Can occur in all layers, depending on the type of melanoma. It is hereditary and can be acquired through UV ray exposure. Mitosis of cancerous cells is rapid and will take over Most severe type of skin cancer.

Types of Melanoma Superficial Spreading Nodular Melanoma Lentigo Maligna Acral Lentiginous

Superficial Spreading Melanoma Most common Irregular in shape and color In the dermal- epidermal junction Can migrate into stratum granulosum or stratum corneum

Nodular Melanoma Raised area that is dark blackish-blue or blueish-red Vertical growth into the dermis

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma Typical in the elderly Common in sun damaged skin In epidermis and dermis

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma least common palms, soles, under nails

Signs A mole that: – Changes in size, shape, or color – Irregular edges – More than one color – Bleeds, oozes – Asymmetry – Changes in appearance – Develops satalites Symptoms Pain around effected area

Prevention Sunscreen – High quality (SPF) – A lot of it! – Blocks both UVA and UVB light rays – Waterproof Avoid reflective surfaces Examine skin once a month Go to the doctor’s Avoid exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM

Treatment Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Radiation treatments Surgery

Who it Effects People over 40 Mostly women Most likely to effect people with: – Fair skin – Blue or green eyes – Red or blonde hair – Live in sunny climates or high altitudes – Tanning habits – Had 1 or more blistering sunburns as a child – A family history

Works Cited overview (article) overview (article) U. S. National Library of Medicine- The World’s Largest Medical Library (article) m m procedures/melanoma.aspx procedures/melanoma.aspx