Malignant Melanoma Research Paper

Words: 1254
Pages: 6

Cancer is a general name given to a collection of different diseases. All these diseases are based on the continuous irregular division of certain bodily cells. This cancerous division is ongoing and in many cases spreads into tissues surrounding the cells. Normally new cells regenerate at a regular rate, as old cells start to die. However, when the old cells continue to live, they can grow irrationally, forming new abnormal cells.
Malignant melanoma otherwise known as cutaneous melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma is when cancer cells form in the pigment-containing cells of the skin. These cells are known as melanocytes. Melanocytes are found in the basal layer, of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). Normally this cancer is found in the skin, but may also occur in eyes, mouth, genitals anal area or
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People mostly develop this type of skin cancer due to harsh exposure to UV rays, whether it is natural or artificial. Often people are sunburnt, which means that cells are literally burnt by the rays. Of UV radiation consists of UVA and UVB rays, which penetrate the skin, damaging the cells.
- The UVA causes genetic damage in the cells whereas UVB attacks the cells as a whole and causes the sunburn. By being exposed to sunburn just once over a period of two years, triples the risk of developing melanoma.
- A person can reduce their chances of developing Melanoma significantly by simply taking a list of precautionary measures. Due to the fact that UV radiation is a main cause of this cancer the obvious solution is to reduce the harsh contact people have with these rays. Sunburn is a common condition that most people take lightly when in actual fact it could be the beginning of the formation of a cancer.
- A few easy ways to prevent sunburn and cell damage is by:
- ·Remaining in the shade at the heat of the day (between 10am and