Extra Credit Essay: Human Anatomy 1 - Melanoma Disease Analysis

This essay, written for a Human Anatomy 1 extra credit assignment, focuses on melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. It explores the disease's origins in melanocytes and melanin, discussing different types like cutaneous, ocular, and mucosal melanoma. The essay details the causes, primarily exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and outlines the signs and symptoms, including the ABCDE rule for identifying melanoma. The document includes references to support the information presented, offering a comprehensive overview of the disease. The essay is formatted according to the assignment guidelines, including specific font, spacing, and page length requirements.

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Human Anatomy 1: Melanoma Disease
Melanoma is one of the most serious skin cancers that grows in the cells called
melanocytes that yield melanin. Moles can be developed from melanocytes where melanoma
mostly develops. Once moles are acquired, they are risky factors for melanoma. A few moles
become melanoma Melanin is the pigment that gives human skin color. Melanoma can also form
in human eyes and very rarely in internal organs for example human intestines. Mucosal
melanoma, cutaneous melanoma and ocular melanoma are the three general categories of
melanoma. Mucosal Melanoma can mainly occur in mucous membrane of the human body,
including the throat, the anus, nasal passages, the vagina or the in human mouth. The cancer of
the skin is Cutaneous Melanoma. Ocular melanoma is also called choroidal melanoma or uveal
melanoma. It is one of the very rare form of melanoma that specifically occurs in the eye. It is
very easier to detect melanoma in its early stages since most melanomas can be mostly be seen
on the skin.
90% the research suggest that melanoma is caused when one expose themselves to
ultraviolet rays. This exposure can be either from artificial sources, for instance indoor tanning
beds or from natural sources, for example sun. Reducing too much exposure to ultraviolet
radiation minimizes the risk of contacting melanoma. Signs and symptoms of melanoma
includes: sores, markings, unusual moles, blemishes and lumps. Any abnormal changes in the
way the skin looks like can also be a of a melanoma. The moment the moles has developed, it

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will mostly stay with similar size, color, and shape for several years. Some moles may disappear
as the time goes by. A new spot on the skin that is rapidly changing in the color, shape or size is
a very warning sign of a melanoma. A spot that is totally different from others is a strong
warning of approaching melanoma.
The ABCDE rule can be used to guide the common signs of melanoma. A stand for
Asymmetry. In this, birthmark or one and a half of mole does not resemble the other is for
Border. Edges are ragged, irregular, ragged, or blurred .C is the color. The color is never the
same all over. The colors may include dissimilar shades of black or brown, or even sometimes
with some patches of red, pink, blue, or white. D stands for diameter. The spot on the skin is
larger than six millimeters across. Usually melanomas are smaller than this size. E stands for
evolving. The is fluctuating shape, size, or color.
It is not guarantee that all melanomas fit the ABCDE rule. Some don’t. It is very
advisable to inform the doctor about new or any changes of spots on the skin. Also inform the
doctor about the moles that grow differently from other moles.

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References
Borden, Ernest. Melanoma : biologically targeted therapeutics. Totowa, N.J: Humana Press,
2002. Print.
Wang, Steven Q. Beating melanoma : a five-step survival guide. Baltimore: Johns
Hopkins University Press, 2011. Print
Kroon, Bin B., Donald L. Morton, and John F. Thompson. Textbook of melanoma. London New
York: Martin Dunitz, 2004. Print
Sharfman, William. Melanoma. New York: Demos Medical Pub, 2012. Print.