Understanding Melanoma: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatments

Today, Ashwin K, a student at Detroit Country Day School, dives deep into melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer that demands our attention. He covers everything from its symptoms and diagnosis to treatment options and prevention strategies. Melanoma is not just a skin issue; it poses a significant public health challenge, even with advances in early detection and treatment. Ashwin breaks down how it originates in the melanocytes and discuss the risk factors that can increase susceptibility, including UV exposure and genetic predisposition. Understanding why early detection is crucial and how to adopt effective preventative measures to protect yourself and your loved ones is critical.

Episode Transcript

(00:10):
Hi, my name is Aswin.
Welcome to Exploring Melanoma.
Today we will explore thedifferent aspects of melanoma, including
symptoms, diagnosis,treatments, different risks and prevention.
Melanoma, a highly aggressiveform of skin cancer, represents a
critical area of study indermatological oncology.
Despite advancements in earlydetection and treatment, melanoma
continues to pose asignificant public health challenge.

(00:32):
In this podcast we willexamine its pathology, risk factors,
symptoms, treatment modalitiesand preventative measures through
a detailed and evidence based lens.
Pathophysiology of MelanomaMelanoma originates in the melanocytes,
a specialized cell responsiblefor producing melanin, the pigment
that determines thecorrelation of skin, hair and eyes.
This malignancy often arisesdue to ultraviolet radiation exposure,

(00:54):
also known as uv.
This induces genetic mutationson these cells and causes melanoma
to form.
While melanoma frequentlymanifests on sun exposed skin such
as the back, legs and face, itcan also occur in less exposed areas,
including beneath the nails orwithin mucosal tissues.
The aggressive nature ofmelanoma is attributable to its ability
to metastasize rapidly.

(01:15):
If not diagnosed and treatedpromptly, it can disseminate into
lymphatic system, lungs, brainand other vital organs, often with
fatal consequences.
Melanoma's clinicalpresentation varies significantly,
making diagnostic vigilance essential.
The ABCDE criteria made thegold remain the gold standard for
preliminary evaluation.
A Asymmetry Malignant lesionstypically lack symmetry.

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B Border irregularity theborders of melanomas are often uneven,
scalped or poorly defined.
C Color heterogeneityMelanomas may display multiple colors,
including black, brown, redand even blue diameter.
Lesions exceeding 6millimeters warrant closer examination
through smaller melanomas can occur.
E For evolution, any change ina lesion, side size, shape or symptoms

(02:00):
over time is key indicator.
E.
Any change in a lesion, sidesize, shape or symptoms over time
is a key indicator.
In addition to these criteria,other alarming signs include persistent
sores, unusual pigmentationand sensations of itching or pain
at the lesion site.
Risk factors for melanoma aremultifaceted and encompass both genetic

(02:21):
and environmental components.
Key determinants includephenotypic characteristics.
Individuals with fair skin,light eyes, red red blond hair have
increased susceptibility dueto lower levels of photoprotective
melanin.
Genetic predisposition Afamilial history of melanoma doubles
the risk.
UV exposure Both natural andartificial UV radiation significantly

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contribute to melanomaincidence with tanning beds, posing
an especially high risk,raising the likelihood of melanoma
by 75% with a single sessionbefore the age of 35.
Geographical factors Residentsnear the equator or at high altitudes
increases UV exposure.
Immunosuppressants, conditionsor medications that weaken the immune
system can amplify susceptibility.

(03:04):
Epidemiology Melanomarepresents only 1% of all skin cancer
cases, yet accounts for themajority of skin cancer related mortalities.
Treatment for melanoma ishighly stage dependent.
In early stages, surgicalexcision with clear margins is typically
curative.
As the disease progresses,additional interventions become necessary.
Adjunctive therapies includenymph node dissection and immune

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checkpoint inhibitors.
To prevent recurrence,advanced stages targeted therapies
such as BRF inhibitors andsystematic immunotherapies are employed.
Radiation therapies may alsobe utilized in slight cases or surgeries
is contraindicated.
Prognosis is heavilyinfluenced by the timing of diagnosis.
For stage one melanoma, fiveyear survival rates exceeded 90%.

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Conversely, stage four casesexhibit A significantly diminished
survival rate.
Underscoring the importance ofearly detection given its preventable
nature, public healthcampaigns emphasize primary prevention
measures.
Key strategies includesunscreen usage, avoidance of artificial
UV sources, protective attire,behavioral modifications, and landscape
monitoring.
Sunscreen should usually be at30fps or higher and should be reapplied

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every two hours.
Avoidance of artificial UVsources like tanning beds should
be avoided at all costs.
Protective attire such asclothing with built in UV protection,
wide brim hats and UV blockingsunglasses provide additional layers
of defense.
Behavioral modifications suchas limiting outdoor exposure during
peak UV radiation hours is advisable.
Skin monitoring, monthly selfexaminations and annual dermatological

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evaluations can facilitateearly detection of abnormalities.
In summary, melanomarepresents a significant clinical
challenge due to itsaggressive behavior and potential
for high mortality.
However, by leveragingadvancements in detection and treatment
coupled with effectivepreventative strategies, we can mitigate
its impact.
We encourage our listeners toremain vigilant, prioritize regular

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skin assessments, and adoptsun safe practices.
Thank you for engaging in thiscritical discussion on melanoma.
Stay informed and stay protected.