Yoon Ja-young is in charge of articles translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times. She is interested in improving the newspaper through AI.
Watch out for unusual spots
Unlike ordinary age spots, left, malignant melanoma, right, is something people should be concerned about.
By Yoon Ja-young
By Yoon Ja-young
Although Koreans take a great interest in their complexion, skin cancer hasn’t received so much attention here because it was usually considered a problem that afflicted Caucasian people. It seems, however, that more attention is needed because of an increase over the past few years in the number of people with malignant melanoma, which can lead to death.
According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma recorded 2,576 in 2011, marking an annual 8 percent growth since 2007. The country spent 9.5 billion won for treatment in 2011, compared with 5.6 billion won four years ago.
Malignant melanoma is a tumor associated with over-production from melanocytes, cells which produce melanin that determine our skin color. Tumors can develop anywhere melanocytes exist, and is the most fatal of all forms of skin cancer. It is known to be more frequent on extremities of the body such as the soles of people’s feet and palms.
“Malignant melanoma is hard to notice because it looks like ordinary black or blackish-blue spots without subjective symptoms such as itchiness or pain. Hence, the cancer is often quite advanced when it is found,” the service said in a report. It emphasized early diagnosis and treatment because it can spread to many other parts of the body such as bones, the lungs or liver through lymphatic ducts or vessels.
Why some people are prone to malignant melanoma is not exactly known, but the service said there are hereditary and environmental factors, such as excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.
“Between 20 to 50 percent of the malignant melanoma develop from benign ‘black spots.’ If a black spot is suddenly formed or changes in form, size or color, or if it gets itchy, stings, or is painful, you should be suspicious,” the service stated in the report.
The National Cancer Information Center advises that people remember “ABCD” when determining whether they should be concerned about the spots they see. A is “asymmetry.” Generally a normal spot is symmetrical because it grows equally from the center. It can also be a sign if the spot is asymmetrical. B is “border irregularity.” While a normal spot has an even border, the perimeter of a problematic area is uneven. C is for “color variegation.” If the spot is of diverse colors, you should take heed. Next, D is “diameter.” The center says that one should remember that ordinary spots generally don’t exceed 0.6 centimeter in diameter. If a black spot that has recently developed is bigger than 0.6 centimeters and is growing in size, you have reason to be suspicious.