Melanoma
By: Jackie Widmer
Melanoma
What is it? The most dangerous skin cancer there is. It starts in the pigment cells, those produce skin color.
Symptoms
First Stage Symptoms
- A change in a mole that you have already had. (it doesn't look normal, or feels different)
- A new mole or pigment that does not look normal or healthy.
Warning Signs
To help your remember some of the different warning signs, use the A-B-C-D-E
- A- is asymmetrical shape, this means that the moles look strange or are two very different looking halves.
- B- Is for irregular border, this means the a thin ring around them is up or not the same level as the mole.
- C-is for changing in the color or a mole or spot on your skin.
- D-is for diameter, if the mole or spot on your skin is larger than 1/4 inches.
- E- is for the mole evolving, this could mean the mole is changing in color, shape or size.
- Or would be having an itchy mole or oozing or bleeding.
Causes
- The most common reason of getting skin cancer is from being out in the sun too much or being in tanning beds.
- The most common places to find these symptoms are your back, arms, legs, and feet. They have a lot of exposure to the sun. Some other places that don't see the sun as much are still common they are, your palms, soles of your feet, and your finger nail beds.
Treatments
Most cases are treated by removing the discolored patch on the skin.
Usually this doesn't take that long unless it is very severe.
Diagnosis
Medical testing of the patch or part of your skin is tested. If it comes back positive they have to research more about it to be sure.
Stats
- More than 1 million skin cancer causes are reported in the United States each year.
- About 75% of skin cancer deaths are from Melanoma
- Men are 2.5 times more likely to die from skin cancer
Prevention
- Stay in the shade as much as possible
- Try not to burn
- Use sunscreen
- Examine your body for any different/weird spots.
Citation
"Skin Cancer Foundation." Melanoma Prevention Guidelines. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.
Melanoma Skin Cancer." : Cancer Research UK : CancerHelp UK. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.