In case you didn’t know, melanoma is one of several forms of skin cancer that a person can develop. While basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous in terms of mortality. Melanoma has achieved this dubious distinction because all the different forms of melanoma cause 3 out of 4 skin cancer deaths.

If you remember your anatomy and physiology from high school, melanocytes are the cells within the skin that produce the skin coloring pigment known as melanin. When these melanocytes go haywire, the cancer known as melanoma appears. So what exactly is it that causes melanocytes to develop into skin cancer? While the answer is not entirely clear, it is most likely due to:

• have a compromised immune system
• being exposed to chemicals that cause cancer
• family history of melanoma
• have multiple birthmarks
• fair or freckled skin
• unsafe use of tanning beds
• prolonged periods in the sun without protection
• multiple episodes of skin blistering due to sunburn
• taking immunosuppressive drugs
• geographic location, such as living near the equator or at high altitudes

While this list is extremely long, several entries on the list appear to have a common denominator that can be combated with common sense. You should wear adequate sun protection on the exposed surfaces of your skin when you venture outdoors. Some lotions and creams only protect you against UVA rays or suntan rays. Others will protect you from UVB rays, the scorching rays. The best strains will protect you against both. If possible, avoid midday sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as this is when it is most intense. If you must go outdoors or if you’re the sun-worshipping “type,” be sure to apply your lotion before you go outside and reapply every two hours.

The best protection against getting any form of melanoma is prevention. Be sure to check your skin regularly and keep an eye out for any signs that a problem is brewing. To help you in this regard, many skin experts use the ABCDE system to detect a problem.

• A means asymmetry. Is the appearance of the mole symmetrical from side to side (good) or does each side look different (bad)?
• B means borders. Are the edges of the lesion defined (good) or indefinite and irregular (poor)?
• C stands for color. Is the color the same throughout the mole (good) or are multiple colors showing (bad)?
• D represents the diameter. A diameter of less than a quarter inch (good), greater than a quarter inch (bad)
• E stands for evolve. Watch for changes in shape, color, texture, or other signs that the mole or lesion is progressing (bad)

If you find out you have melanoma, early detection can be your best friend. A dermatologist can remove the affected tissue with a simple excision. If it has spread beyond simple ablation, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be indicated.