Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with the most serious type of skin cancer – malignant melanoma.
The Duchess of York, 64, had a mole removed from her body during breast reconstruction surgery last year, one of which was found to be cancerous.
The cancer occurs after the DNA in skin cells becomes damaged, triggering mutations that can form malignant tumors – which can be fatal.
According to the latest figures published on the Cancer Research UK website, around 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year.
According to the charity, there are an average of 2,300 skin cancer deaths each year, with skin cancer accounting for around 1 per cent of all cancer deaths.
Here, Web examines what melanoma is, how to recognize it and how to prevent it.
Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Pictured: The Duchess of York at the Christmas service at Sandringham Church
Malignant melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes (file image)
What is Malignant Melanoma?
Malignant melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes. These are cells in the upper layer of skin that produce melanin, which gives the skin its color.
It is typically caused by harmful UV rays and then left unrepaired, triggering mutations that can form malignant tumors.
Although it is less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more dangerous because it can spread more quickly to other organs if not treated at an early stage.
What causes melanoma?
- Sunlight: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skin.
- Birthmarks: The more birthmarks you have, the greater your risk of developing melanoma.
- Skin type: People with lighter skin are at higher risk of developing melanoma.
- Hair Color: Red heads are more at risk than others.
- Personal history: If you have had melanoma once, you are more likely to get it again.
- Family history: If relatives have already been diagnosed, they may be at higher risk.
How can I prevent it?
- Use sunscreen with a high SPF or cover up to avoid sunburn.
- Avoid tanning outside and using tanning beds
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
- Keep babies and children out of the sun.
- Examine your skin every month and see your primary care doctor for a skin exam every year.
How do I check this?
Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you can't see.
Pay particular attention to:
- Birthmarks with uneven shapes or edges
- Moles with a mix of colors
- Large moles – Melanomas are often more than 6mm wide
- Moles that change size, shape, or color over time
What signs should I look out for in my birthmarks?
Cancer Research UK recommends following the ABCDE approach when examining your moles.
A – Asymmetrical – look at the shape of the mole
- Melanomas are likely to be irregular in shape. The two halves of the area can have different shapes.
- This is in contrast to normal moles, which are usually symmetrical and have a more uniform shape.
B – Edge – Look at the edges of the mole
- Melanomas tend to have irregular edges that can be blurred or jagged.
- This is in contrast to normal moles, which have more even edges.
C – Color – Look at the color of the birthmark
- Melanomas are often uneven in color and contain more than one shade, possibly appearing black, brown, or pink.
- Nowadays, normal birthmarks usually have a uniform color.
D – Diameter – Look at how wide the mole is
- Most melanomas are larger than 6 mm in diameter.
- Normal moles are usually about the size of the end of a pencil or smaller.
E – Evolving – Check it regularly to see if it changes
- Melanomas can change in size, shape or color. They may also begin to bleed, itch, or crust.
- Normal moles, on the other hand, usually remain the same size, shape and color.
It is important to examine your skin every month and see your GP regularly for a skin exam (file image).
How can melanoma be treated?
distance
This can be done by removing the entire tumor section or by the surgeon removing the skin in layers.
By removing it layer by layer, a surgeon can figure out exactly where the cancer ends so he doesn't have to remove more skin than necessary.
Skin transplant
The patient may opt for skin grafting if the surgery has caused discoloration or a dent.
Immunotherapy, radiation treatment or chemotherapy
This is required when the cancer reaches stage III or IV. This means that the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.
CancerSarah Ferguson, Duchess of York