Melanoma - symptom, Treatment of Melanoma

Melanoma Information

The symptoms of Melanoma are Chloasma and MalignantMelanoma.

Chloasma is dark (brown) patches over the cheeks, temples and nose. Commonly seen in pregnancy. 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.

Home  | Terms of Service  |    © http://Diseases-Condition.com  |  About Us  |  Contact us | Directory