Melanoma Skin Cancer
By Izzi Fielder
What is Cancer?
Cancer is caused by the rapid growth of cell; an abnormal rate that cells divide. The cells spread to tissues and form tumors. Cells that become cancerous have undergone a mutation making a mistake in their genetic information, and making the cells deadly.
What is Melanoma Skin Cancer?
Melanoma is a skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes ( produces melanin). Melanoma skin cancer is less common than other types of skin cancer, but it's more dangerous. Melanoma is curable during the early stages, but it can spread to other parts on the body.
What causes Melanoma Skin Cancer?
Gene changes in a moles cell can cause it to become a melanoma cell. Exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause these gene changes. Those who have a lot of moles or have fair skin can get melanoma easier than those who do not.
What are the symptoms of Melanoma Skin Cancer?
Symptoms for Melanoma Skin Cancer include:
- spots or moles that change size or shape
- Unusual coloring of spots or moles
- Spreading of pigmented skin spots
- sores that do not heal
What are treatments for Melanoma Skin Cancer?
Depending on what stage your cancer is and the plan you make with your doctor, treatments can vary. Common treatments include: Surgery, Immunotherapy, Targeted therapy, Chemotherapy, and Radiation therapy.
Survival Rates
These survival rates are for different stages of Melanoma cancer, type A, and for survival over 10 years.
Stage I- 95%
Stage II- 67%
Stage III- 68%
Stage IV- 15%
Works cited
"Cancer Research Foundation / Research - The Best Hope Against Cancer."Cancer Research Foundation / Research - The Best Hope Against Cancer. Cancer Research Foundation, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.
"American Cancer Society | Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin." American Cancer Society | Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.