7 Things You Can do To Prevent / Treat Melanoma

Melanoma is a common type of skin cancer that occurs due to the abnormal growth of the cells called melanocytes that produce melanin. Regular treatment can help to inhibit the spread of this cancer. Here are 7 things you can do to prevent and treat melanoma.

7. Avoiding sun exposure

Melanoma usually affects the part of the skin that is commonly exposed to the sun rays. Hence, avoiding the exposure of the skin to the sun is highly recommended for the prevention of melanoma. [1]

6. Sun protection measures

Wearing wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothes can be a great way to minimize the exposure of the skin to the UV radiation in sun rays. Applying a sunscreen cream having an SPF of more than 30 is also an effective way to prevent melanoma. [2]

5. Surgery

If the abnormal growth on the skin caused due to melanoma is small and localized, surgery can be performed to excise it. Removal of the affected tissues of the skin and the surrounding lymph nodes can help to prevent further spread of cancer cells. [3]

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can help to treat melanoma by enhancing the functions of your immune system. It would improve the ability of the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells thereby reducing the extent of this disease. [4]

3. Targeted therapy

Targeted drug focuses on the specific weaknesses of cancer cells. Targeted drug treatments are aimed at creating an unfavorable environment in the affected tissues due to which the cancer cells fail to survive. Targeted therapy is suitable for melanoma that has spread to the lymph nodes. [5]

2. Radiation therapy

This treatment involves the exposure of the cancer cells to high-powered energy beams, such as protons and X-rays, to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is particularly beneficial for treating melanomas that can not be removed with surgery. [6]

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs can be administered intravenously or in the pill form. These drugs can reach the affected tissues through the bloodstream and kill cancer cells. [7]

 Conclusion

Appropriate treatment of melanoma can help to control the spread and growth of cancer cells and prevent the relapse of this condition.