SKIN CANCER, MALIGNANT MELANOMA |
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General Information
DEFINITION--A skin cancer that spreads to other areas of the body, primarily the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and central nervous system. Most melanomas begin in a mole or other pre-existing skin lesion. Excessive exposure to sun is a major factor in causing malignant melanoma. It usually affects the skin of the head, neck, legs or back, but rarely occurs in the eye, mouth, vagina or anus. Melanomas are more likely to occur in adults, but some affect children. The incidence of melanomas has increased since 1970.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSA flat or slightly raised skin lesion that can be black, brown, blue, red, white or a mixture of all colors. Its borders are often irregular and may bleed.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSUncontrolled growth of cells that give skin its brownish color (melanocytes). When the cells grow down into deep skin layers, they invade blood vessels and lymph vessels and are spread to other body areas. The following factors increase the likelihood of developing a melanoma:
Moles on the skin.
Excessive sun exposure.
Pregnancy.
Genetic factors. This is most common in light-complexioned, blonde people, and is rare in black people.
Radiation treatment or excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, as with sun lamps.
HOW TO PREVENTIf you are in a high-risk group:
Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure. Wear broad-rimmed hats and protective clothing. Use maximum protection sun-block preparations on exposed skin.
Examine your skin, including genitals and soles of the feet, regularly for changes in pigmented areas. Ask a family member to examine your back. See your doctor about any skin area (especially brown or black) that becomes multicolored, develops irregular edges or surfaces, bleeds or changes in any way.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Biopsy (See Glossary) of suspicious lesions. The melanoma's depth must be established to determine appropriate treatment.
SURGERYNecessary to remove suspicious skin lesions or to remove nearby lymph glands if the tumor has spread.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSVaries greatly. Early melanomas that have not grown downward are curable with surgical removal. Once the tumor has spread to distant organs, this condition is currently considered incurable. However, symptoms can be relieved or controlled. Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSFatal spread to lungs, liver, brain or other internal organs.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Surgery.
Hospitalization for radiation treatment and chemotherapy, if the tumor has spread.
HOME TREATMENTNo specific instructions except those listed under other headings.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe anticancer drugs.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have a skin lesion with any characteristics of a malignant melanoma.
During treatment, changes occur in another skin area.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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