Melanoma is the most aggressive and dangerous form of skin cancer. It originates from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin, and can develop on any area of the skin. The primary cause of malignant melanoma is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. If not detected and treated early, malignant melanoma can spread quickly (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and internal organs, making it life-threatening.
Melanomas often appear as black or dark patches on the skin, with an uneven texture, jagged edges, or raised surfaces. They may also have a surface crust or bleed. The appearance of melanomas can be remembered using the “ABCDE” rule:
- Asymmetry: The two halves of the mole or lesion do not match in shape or size.
- Border: The edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.
- Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of black, brown, white, red, or blue.
- Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser), but they can be smaller.
- Evolving: The mole or lesion changes in size, shape, color, or begins to bleed or crust.
As a skincare and beauty expert, you can assist clients who exhibit potential signs of melanoma by taking the following steps:
- Skin examination and education: During client consultations, perform a thorough skin examination and educate clients on the importance of regular self-examinations. Explain the ABCDE rule and encourage them to report any concerning changes in their skin to a healthcare professional.
- Refer clients to a dermatologist: If you suspect a client may have a malignant melanoma or another suspicious lesion, promptly refer them to a dermatologist or healthcare professional for evaluation and potential biopsy. It is not within the scope of practice for beauty professionals or estheticians to diagnose or treat skin cancer.
- Promote sun protection: Educate clients about the importance of sun protection in preventing skin cancer. Recommend broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30, and encourage clients to wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors. Encourage clients to avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure.
Three main cancers of the skin are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma that melanoma is among most deadliest cancer. Diagnosis and treatment of all skin cancers are out of scope of practice of skin care or beauty specialist however as a skincare and beauty specialist you may be the first person to notice the changes on the skin and refer the client to a doctor. Here are differences between these three skin cancers:
- Squamous cell carcinoma:
- Arises from squamous cells
- Commonly appears on areas exposed to the sun
- Has a scaly, crusty or warty appearance
- Can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated
- Basal cell carcinoma:
- Arises from basal cells
- Commonly appears on areas exposed to the sun
- Has a pearly or waxy appearance with visible blood vessels
- Rarely spreads to other parts of the body
- Melanoma:
- Arises from melanocytes
- Can appear anywhere on the body, even areas not exposed to the sun
- Often has irregular borders and multiple colors
- Can spread quickly to other parts of the body and become life-threatening if left untreated.
| Feature | Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) | Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) | Melanoma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of skin cancer | Second most common type of skin cancer | Most common type of skin cancer | Third most common type of skin cancer |
| Where it occurs | Most common on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, ears, and hands | Most common on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, ears, and back of the hands | Can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on the trunk, head, and neck |
| Appearance | Can appear as scaly, red or pink papules or nodules. They may also appear as open sores or crusty areas. | Can appear as a small, smooth, pink or flesh-colored bump. It may also appear as a waxy, scar-like growth. | Can appear as a dark spot on the skin that is different from the surrounding skin. It may also appear as a mole that changes in size, shape, or color. |
| Risk factors | Sun exposure, immunosuppression, history of skin cancer | Sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, fair skin, light-colored hair, and blue or green eyes | Family history of melanoma, fair skin, light-colored hair, and blue or green eyes, large numbers of moles, atypical moles, history of sunburns, immunosuppression |
| Treatment | Surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy | Surgical removal, radiation therapy, topical medications | Surgical removal, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy |
| Prognosis | Good if caught early. Can be fatal if not treated. | Good if caught early. Can be fatal if not treated. | Poor if not treated. The earlier melanoma is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis. |