Definition of melanocyte
Melanin is a pigment found in the human body whose main function is to give body tissues their color. Such tissues include those found in hair, skin and eyes. It also protects the body from ultra violet light of the sun that may be cancerous (Claude 1). Melanin pigment is manufactured by cells known as melanocytes. The intensity of the color is determined by the volume of these cells. For example, the skin and hair appear to be more pigmented as compared to other parts such as the eye. This is because of the presence of more melanocytes. Any disorders in the melanocytes cause a disease known as the Melanocyte’s disease or melanoma. It is among the many types of skin cancers. Melanoma is cancer of the skin that is brought about by mutation of the melanocytes. Melanoma can be found in all kind people regardless of their subspecies. However, people with fair skin have a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Causes of Melanoma
The skin is a sensitive organ when exposed to higher intensity of the sunlight it increases the production of melanocytes which is a risk factor. The numerous melanocytes produced may flock together forming clusters which result to growths that are not cancerous in the beginning (Albert 644). These abnormal growths are referred to as moles. Having moles is a common phenomenon as most people have a range of about ten to forty moles in the body. However, when the melanocytes undergo mutation, they lead to a malignant tumor on the part of the body in which they occur (Claude 1).
Signs and Symptoms of the disease
The early signs of the disease are not easily detected. The disease starts with the enlargement and darkening of the mole. The enlargement occurs asymmetrically such that one side is not the same as the other half. The outline is irregular and the edges appear to have notches with a jaw like ends. The increase in size and change of color deviating from normal is what makes a diagnosis of the melanocyte disease. However, to fully confirm the presence of the disease a biopsy is done on the patient whereby a small piece of the affected tissue is cut and taken to the laboratories for further examination.
Treatment of the disease
Just like the other types of cancers, treatment depends on the stage at which the disease has reached. The three main methods of treatment include cutting off the overgrown tissue known as biological therapy (Albert 643). This involves removal of the moles through surgical procedures. The other method is known as chemotherapy which involves treatment by use of drugs that control the multiplication of melanocytes. The last method is radiation therapy which involves use of radioactive rays to destroy the melanocyte cells damaging them to stop their multiplication. All the aforementioned treatment methods are preferred depending on the stage and condition of the growth (McCarthy 1). The procedure should be carefully done to avoid remnants of the cells which may multiply and cause the disease to reoccur.
Conclusion
Other than the overproduction of melanocytes, low production and malfunction of the melanocytes can also be harmful to the body. The condition of under-production leads to a disease known as vitiligo. All these conditions, if not well diagnosed and treated, may lead to spread of the cancer cells to the rest of the body which eventually leads to death.
Works Cited
Albert, Daniel. “Melanoma, Vitiligo and Uveitis.” Ophthalmology, Volume 117, Issue 3, 2010, Pages 643-644.
Bystryn, Jean-Claude. “Journal of Investigative Dermatology.” 1993. Web.
McCarthy, Steel. “Melanocytes.”2008. Web.