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SKIN CANCER, MALIGNANT MELANOMA

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 & SYMPTOMS

A 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 FACTORS

Uncontrolled 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 PREVENT

    If 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.

    SURGERY

    Necessary to remove suspicious skin lesions or to remove nearby lymph glands if the tumor has spread.

    NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS

    Varies 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 COMPLICATIONS

    Fatal 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 TREATMENT

    No specific instructions except those listed under other headings.

    MEDICATION

    Your doctor may prescribe anticancer drugs.

    ACTIVITY

    No restrictions.

    DIET

    No 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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