Context
Melanoma in India often develops on the soles of the feet or beneath the nails, which are less likely to be routinely examined, potentially delaying detection.
What is Melanoma?
- Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes.
- Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour.
- It usually develops on sun-exposed skin, such as the arms, back, face and legs.
- In rare cases, it can also occur in areas such as the nose or throat.
What causes Melanoma?
- The exact cause is not known in every case.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major risk factor.
- It may come from sunlight.
- Exposure can also occur through tanning lamps and tanning beds.
What are the Symptoms?
- Change in an existing mole in its appearance, colour or shape.
- Appearance of a new unusual or pigmented growth on the skin.
- It does not necessarily develop from a pre-existing mole and may appear on otherwise normal skin.
How is Melanoma treated?
| Treatment | Purpose |
| Surgery | Main treatment in early stages; can potentially cure the disease when detected early. |
| Lymphadenectomy | Removal of nearby lymph nodes when the cancer has spread from the primary site. |
| Metastasectomy | Surgical removal of small cancerous deposits that have spread to other organs. |
Conclusion
Early detection is crucial in melanoma because treatment is most effective when the cancer is identified before it spreads. In India, unusual lesions on the feet and under the nails therefore deserve attention rather than being overlooked.
FAQs
Q1. What is melanoma?
It is a type of skin cancer arising from melanocytes, the pigment‑producing cells.
Q2. Where does melanoma commonly occur?
Usually in the sun‑exposed areas (arms, back, face, legs), but in India often on soles or under nails.
Q3. What causes melanoma?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, tanning lamps, or beds is the major risk factor.
Q4. What are the key symptoms of melanoma?
Changes in mole size/colour/shape or new pigmented growths on normal skin.
Q5. How is melanoma treated?
Early surgery can cure; lymphadenectomy removes affected nodes; metastasectomy targets spread deposits.
