In order to find Melanoma earlier on, it is important to examine the child’s body regularly for spots/rashes that are changing in shape, size or texture

Melanoma is a rare type of Skin Cancer, yet one that is most lethal. Spotting it earlier helps with diagnosis and effective treatment. Melanoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer amongst children.

WHAT IS MELANOMA?

Melanoma is the more aggressive form of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes that give skin its colour. And while exposure to UV radiation is a major cause of melanoma unlike other types of skin cancers, melanoma can develop on parts of the body not normally exposed to the sun. What makes Melanoma dangerous is the fact that it spreads fast to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, bone, and brains. This makes it harder to treat – calling for more aggressive and invasive procedures.

SPOTTING MELANOMA

In order to find Melanoma earlier on, it is important to examine the child’s body regularly for spots/rashes that are changing in shape, size, or texture. If they are oozy or itchy, then getting a doctor’s opinion is imperative.

The ABCDE of identifying a Melanoma Mole/spot applies to children. However, given that children do develop normal moles too as they grow, one must be wary of what needs to be checked out by the doctor and what can be ignored.

In general, the ABCDE of Melanoma are:

• A for Asymmetry – referring to the irregular shape of the mole/spot.
• B for Border – indicating the blurry, non-defined border of the mole/spot.
• C for Colour – the mole has varying colours from brown to black with white or red spots even.
• D for Diameter – melanoma moles are more than 6mm and growing.
• E for Evolving – referring to how the mole changes in shape, size, colour, and texture.

In the case of Paediatric Melanoma, the above mentioned ABCDE applies but there could be other aspects as well, to consider.

• — While in adults the melanoma spot can be a mix of colours, usually black and brown, Paediatric Melanomas can be just one colour. They usually are red, pink, or purple or even appear as a flesh-coloured growth.
• — Childhood Melanomas are usually itchy and tend to bleed easily.
• — Given the general itchy nature of the melanoma, they often look like an open sore.
• — While adult melanomas are usually flat, childhood melanomas appear as a raised bump in the skin that grows wider quite rapidly. If you notice a mole that has grown faster and bigger than any other moles on your child’s body, visit the doctor right away.
• — A dark streak beneath a fingernail or toenail can also be indicative of skin cancer.

TREATING MELANOMA IN CHILDREN

The treatment for Melanoma in kids is similar to options available to adults.

• Surgery – The cancerous mole is removed leaving as much skin in the surrounding area intact.
• Chemotherapy – Cancerous cells that cannot be removed with surgery are targeted by chemotherapy. Also, if any cancerous cells have spread to other parts of the body, through Chemotherapy they can be eliminated.
• Biological Therapy – Also caused as Immunotherapy it involves using medication that affects the immune system to attack advanced tumours.
• Targeted Therapy – Here medicines that target specific parts of the melanoma cells are used.

With the right kind of treatment before the cancer advances and spreads, Paediatric Melanoma can be effectively eliminated.

SKIN CANCER PREVENTION

Since Skin cancer is primarily caused by chronic or excessive exposure to sunlight (which means exposure to UV rays), stop your child from stepping out in midday when it is the hottest. Make sure they always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against UV-B and UV-A rays when stepping outdoors. A lip-balm with sun protection will also help. Encourage your child to wear protective clothes and accessories: long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect their arms and legs and a hat or a cap to protect their face, eyes, and ears.

Reviewed By:

DR.PARTHIBANRAJ RAGUNATHAN

CONSULTANT – DERMATOLOGY

MBBS,M.D