What is melanoma? Your skin cancer questions answered after Sarah Ferguson’s shock diagnosis – including how to check your moles

Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with the most serious form of skin cancer: malignant melanoma.

The Duchess of York Last year, a birthmark was removed from her body during breast reconstruction, one of which turned out to be cancerous.

The cancer develops after the DNA in the skin cells is damaged, causing mutations that can form malignant tumors, which can be fatal.

According to the latest figures published on the website, approximately 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year Cancer Research UK website.

According to the charity, there are on average 2,300 deaths from skin cancer every year, with this accounting for around 1 percent of cancer deaths.

Here, MailOnline looks at what melanoma is, how you can recognize it and how you can prevent it.

What is malignant melanoma?

Malignant melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes, cells in the top layer of the skin that produce melanin, which gives the skin its color.

It is usually caused by harmful UV radiation and then goes unrepaired, causing 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 early.

What causes melanoma?

• sun exposure: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skin.

• Moles: The more moles you have, the greater the risk of developing melanoma.

• Skin type: People with fairer skin have a higher risk of developing melanoma.

• Hair colour: Redheads are more at risk than others.

• Personal history: Once you’ve had melanoma, you’re more likely to get it again.

• Family history: If family members have been diagnosed previously, you may be at greater risk.

How do I prevent it?

• Use sunscreen with a high SPF or cover up to prevent sunburn.
• Avoid sunbathing outdoors and using tanning beds
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
• Keep babies and children out of the sun.
• Examine your skin monthly and visit your doctor annually for a skin examination.

How do I check this?

Check your skin for unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check areas you can’t see.

In particular, look for:

• Birthmarks with an uneven shape or edges
• Moles with a mix of colors
• Large moles – melanomas are often more than 6 mm wide
• Birthmarks that change size, shape or color over time

What signs should I look for with my moles?

Cancer Research UK recommends following the ABCDE approach when checking your moles.

A – Asymmetrical – look at the shape of the birthmark

• Melanomas are likely to have an uneven 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 even shape.

B – Border – look at the edges of the mole

• Melanomas more often have irregular edges that may be blurry or jagged.
• This contrasts with normal moles, which are more likely to have even edges.

C – Color – Look at the color of the mole

• Melanomas are often uneven in color and contain more than one shade, possibly appearing black, brown, or pink.
• Meanwhile, normal moles are usually uniform in color.

D – Diameter – See how wide the mole is

• Most melanomas have a diameter greater than 6 mm.
• Meanwhile, 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 size, shape or color. They may also begin to bleed, itch, or become crusty.
• Normal moles, meanwhile, usually remain the same size, shape and color.

How can melanoma be treated?

Removal

This can be done by removing the entire part of the tumor or by having the surgeon remove the skin layer by layer.

When a surgeon removes it layer by layer, it helps him figure out exactly where the cancer ends so he doesn’t have to remove more skin than necessary.

Skin transplantation

If discoloration or a dent is left during the operation, the patient may decide to use a skin graft.

Immunotherapy, radiation or chemotherapy

This is necessary if 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.