MAIN Health Diseases Cancer Melanoma

No one knows what causes this most serious form of skin cancer, but there is increasing evidence that prolonged exposure to sunlight is a major risk factor in developing melanoma.

People with fairer skin, or who have a family history of melanoma are more likely to develop the disease which usually begins as a harmless mole on the face, arms or trunk.

The most common melanoma is referred to as "superficial spreading melanoma" which, as the name suggests, usually forms on the skin's uppermost layer before it becomes invasive.

A typical sign is when a mole begins to change shape, darken, or otherwise change color.

Similar to the superficial spreading type is lentigo melanoma, which develops slowly and begins as a flat or slightly elevated tan or dark brown growth most commonly seen in the elderly who have severely sun damaged skin.

Also slow to spread, acral lentiginous melanoma is the most common seen in African-Americans and Asians, and usually appears as a black or brown discoloration under the nails, on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

Early detection is important because if allowed to develop, the cancer becomes more difficult to treat, and may even begin to spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal. If recognized and treated in its early stages, there is a successful outcome in almost all cases following a simple outpatient surgical procedure that excises or cuts away the melanoma from the skin surface.

Early treatment & detection for nodular melanoma - a rarer form of the disease which is more aggressive and faster growing - is of the utmost importance since it is usually becomes invasive from its earliest stages.

To decrease the risk of developing skin cancer in all of its forms, most experts suggest limiting exposure to the sun by wearing clothing that protects the arms, legs and head from damaging UV rays, and the use of suncreen with a maximum SPF of 30. Also, if there is suspicion that a mole or blemish has recently changed shape or color, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

From expert sites on the Web, learn more about melanoma with information on self-exams and other ways to decrease risk - plus more on early diagnosis & staging, treatment options, and related research and statistics on the disease that the American Cancer Society estimates will total more than 60,000 new cases this year ....

Melanoma Monday - The American Academy of Dermatology's site set up for Melanoma-Skin Cancer Prevention Month has tons of advice on how to lower your risk and spot signs of melanoma early. Also free screening information for US residents.

Slide show: Melanoma pictures to help identify skin cancer - Brief overview with pictures illustrating how to tell a normal mole from melanoma, from the Mayo Clinic.

Biopsy: What to Expect - Clear & concise information on various forms of testing for skin cancers including excisional, incisional & needle biopsies, facts about how & why they are performed and what the results may mean.

Melanoma Patients' Information Page - One-stop browsing for extensive information on the disease including news, feature articles, facts on staging & diagnosis, testing, treatment, prevention, how to find a clinical trial, glossary of terms and common abbreviations used in treatment, suggested reading, with online support in chats & discussion boards.

The Skin Cancer Foundation - Melanoma - Excellent multi-part tutorial with pictures illustrating benign and malignant tumors, information on risk factors, symptoms, staging, surgical and other therapies, related clinical trials and contact details for melanoma treatment centers in the U.S. and Canada.

Treatment of Melanoma by Stage - Fact sheet from the American Cancer Society with details on melanoma stage I, II, III and IV as well as treatment options for recurrent melanomas.

Clinical Trials - Melanoma - Recruitment information on clinical trials held throughout the U.S. with contact details and eligibility requirements.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.