Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that develops in cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, which is a pigment that is responsible for giving color to the skin. It can also be formed inside your eyes but rarely in your throat or nose. Doctors are yet to find the exact cause of tis condition. Herein, we will talk in brief about the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of melanoma.

Prevention
Some preventive measures to remember are

• Test Your Skin Regularly
  This should be done so that melanoma can be detected at an early stage. You should get your skin tested at least once and if recommended regularly. In May every year, the American Academy of Dermatology conducts free skin cancer screening.

• Reduce Sun Exposure
  If you are vulnerable to melanoma, staying away from ultraviolet radiation is essential. You should also make it a habit of wearing opaque clothing and hats. It is advisable to frequently and liberally use waterproof sunscreens.

• Self-skin Examination
  Examining your skin for any new growths or changes in existing freckles, birthmarks, bumps, moles, etc can prove helpful. Also check your neck, face, scalp, and ears using a mirror. Other body areas that should be examined include chest, hands, arms, under arms, legs, feet, sole of the feet, and even the genitals.

Symptoms
Often, the characteristics of unusual moles are signified by the letters A to E

• A
  This letter stands for asymmetrical shape. Here, moles appear in asymmetrical or irregular shapes such as being halved differently.

• B
  B stands for borders. These borders are notched, irregular or scalloped.

• C
  It stands for color change. In some cases of melanoma, growths that occur with varied colors or growths may be unevenly colored.

• D
  D stands for diameter. In this case, you should look for a growth in your existing mole measuring approximately 6 millimeters or 1/4th of an inch.

• E
  E stands for evolving. In this case, the look of the mole changes over time. This change could be a change in size, color, or shapes. Not just this, moles may even develop new symptoms and signs such as they may start itching or bleeding.

Treatment
If melanoma is caught early and the lesion has not spread much beyond skin surface, simple surgery may be sufficient enough to cure cancer. Surgeons may only cut 1 cm or less than i/2 inch of the tissue surrounding melanoma

• Depending on various factors age, thickness, and body location of the tumor lymph node removal may also be recommended.
• In case melanoma reaches an advanced stage where it spreads to other parts of the body, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be administered.

If you or someone you care for is showing signs of melanoma, you should gain as much knowledge as possible about melanoma prevention, symptoms, and treatment so that you can get appropriate treatment in due course of time.