Melanoma Information
The symptoms of Melanoma are Chloasma and MalignantMelanoma.
MalignantMelanoma is a cancer that develops from melanocytes, the pigment cells in the skin
Occurence of Melanoma
- It is commoner in the white-skinned races than it is in Indians, but is not unknown here.
- Develops after increased exposure of very fair skin to long hours of sunlight.
Since it begins as a pigmented skin lesion, it may be mistaken for a mole. - If a mole is recent or has recently changed appearance, a melanoma must be ruled out.
Course of Illness
Melanomas spread via the lymphatics and bloodstream.They can therefore metastasize to distant regions: lung, liver, brain.
Treatment for Mealnoma
- Excisional biopsy in which the entire suspicious area is removedestablishes the diagnosis and helps plan the subsequent treatment
- Removal of involved lymph nodes and/or chemotherapy. Melanoma that has spread has no cure at present.
FAQ on Mealnoma
Q Who is at risk for Mealnoma?
- Adults of any age who have a mole that has recently shown up, or an old mole which is behaving differentlychanging size and
shape and surface. - Moles in anybody with a family history of melanoma.
- Fair-skinned people.
Q What does it look like?
- It may be flat or raised, and of any color from black and dark
brown to pale gray. - It may occur anywhere, even on parts not exposed to the sun.
Q So what should a person with molesdo to ensure it is not a melanoma?
- First, report any recent change of size and appearance to your doctor
- Avoid exposure to the harsh mid-day sun. Use a sunblock SPF> 15 if you are fair-skinned.
Q Is there any particular sort of mole that should worry about?
Moles that have a multi-colored appearance. Irregular shape. Larger than 10 mm.