MELANOMA SKIN CANCER - What is Melanoma? + How dangerous is melanoma? + Questions about melanoma

MELANOMA SKIN CANCER - What is Melanoma? + How dangerous is melanoma? + Questions about melanoma

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in the cells (melanocytes) that control the pigment in your skin. This illustration shows melanoma cells extending from the surface of the skin into the deeper skin layers.
What does melanoma look like?
Melanomas often look different from other spots on the skin. Melanomas are usually brown or black, but some can appear pink, tan, or even white. Some melanomas have areas with different colors, and they might not be round like normal moles.
How dangerous is melanoma?
How dangerous is melanoma? Melanoma is usually curable when detected and treated early. Once melanoma has spread deeper into the skin or other parts of the body, it becomes more difficult to treat and can be deadly. The estimated five-year survival rate for U.S.
What happens if you have melanoma?
Melanoma is a cancer that develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells present in the skin. It can be more serious than the other forms of skin cancer because of a tendency to spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and cause serious illness and death.

Main Types of Skin Melanoma

There are four main types of skin melanoma:

1-Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type of melanoma. It starts off by growing along the top layer of the skin. Eventually, it can penetrate deeper into the skin. Learn more about superficial spreading melanoma.

2-Nodular melanoma is the second most common type of melanoma. It can be aggressive because it usually grows quickly. Its most common feature is a bump or node that rises above the skin’s surface and that is firm to the touch. Learn more about nodular melanoma.

3-Lentigo maligna melanoma tends to develop on the face, scalp, or neck. It usually affects older people with very sun-damaged skin. Learn more about lentigo maligna melanoma.

4-Acral lentiginous melanoma is a rare condition that affects people of all races and backgrounds. It is the most common form of melanoma in people of African and Asian descent.

How long does it take for melanoma to spread?
Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.

How does Melanoma make you feel?

When melanoma develops in an existing mole, the texture of the mole may change and become hard or lumpy. Although the skin lesion may feel different and may itch, ooze, or bleed, a melanoma skin lesion usually does not cause pain.

Can you have stage 4 melanoma and not know it?
Sometimes the symptoms for stage 4 melanoma may not appear for many years after the original tumor was removed. Talk to your doctor if you're feeling new pains and aches or symptoms. They'll be able to help diagnose the cause and recommend treatment options.

Has anyone survived melanoma 4?

“Now, I have patients who are four or five years out with advanced melanoma on the newer targeted drugs and immunotherapies and still in complete remission.” At least 40 percent of her patients are surviving for the first few years after a stage-4 melanoma diagnosis, she estimates.

How long can you have melanoma and not know it?
It depends on the type of melanoma. For example, nodular melanoma grows rapidly over a matter of weeks, while a radial melanoma can slowly spread over the span of a decade. Like a cavity, a melanoma may grow for years before producing any significant symptoms.

Do you feel tired with melanoma?

The general symptoms of advanced melanoma can include: weight loss. loss of appetite. feeling very tired (fatigued).

Where does Melanoma usually start?

Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites.

Can melanoma be completely cured?

Treatment can completely cure melanoma in many cases, especially when it has not spread extensively. However, melanoma can also recur. It is natural to have questions about the treatment, its side effects, and the chances of cancer recurring.

Would melanoma show up in a blood test?

Blood tests aren't used to diagnose melanoma, but some tests may be done before or during treatment, especially for more advanced melanomas. Doctors often test blood for levels of a substance called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) before treatment.

What does Stage 1 melanoma look like?

Stage 1 Melanoma. Stage I melanoma is no more than 1.0 millimeter thick (about the size of a sharpened pencil point), with or without ulceration (broken skin). There is no evidence that Stage I melanoma has spread to the lymph tissues, lymph nodes, or body organs.

What foods help fight melanoma?

Studies have found that higher intake of retinol-rich foods, led to a 20 percent reduced risk of developing melanoma

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