Melanoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Melanoma is a cancer that starts in the melanocytes. Although much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, melanoma causes most skin cancer deaths. Usually, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole. The | Melanoma is a [[cancer]] that starts in the [[Melanocyte|melanocytes]]. Although much less common than [[Basal cell carcinoma|basal cell]] and [[Squamous cell carcinoma|squamous cell skin cancers]], [[melanoma]] causes most [[skin]] [[cancer]] deaths. Usually, the first sign of [[melanoma]] is a change in the size, shape, color ,or feel of a [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]]. The ABCDE rule can help you tell a normal [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] from an abnormal [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]]. [[Melanoma]] can be cured only if it is [[Diagnosis|diagnosed]] and treated early. When it spreads to other parts of the [[Human body|body]], the outlook could be very bad. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Melanoma?== | ==What are the symptoms of Melanoma?== | ||
Usually, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole. The ABCD rule can help you tell whether the mole is normal or not. Moles that have any of these signs should be checked by your doctor | Usually, the first sign of [[melanoma]] is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]]. The ABCD rule can help you tell whether the [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] is normal or not. [[Melanocytic nevus|Moles]] that have any of these signs should be checked by your doctor: | ||
:*'''A'''symmetry: | :*'''A'''symmetry: When one half of the [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] does not match the other half. | ||
:*'''B'''order irregularity: The edges of the mole | :*'''B'''order irregularity: The edges of the [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] look ragged, blurred, or notched. | ||
:*'''C'''olor: The color over the mole is not the same and may | :*'''C'''olor: The color over the [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] is not the same and may have shades of tan, brown, or black, and sometimes patches of pink, red, blue, or white. | ||
:*'''D'''iameter: The mole is larger than about 1/4 inch, although sometimes melanomas can be smaller. | :*'''D'''iameter: The mole is larger than about 1/4 inch, although sometimes [[Melanoma|melanomas]] can be smaller. | ||
:*The mole is growing or changing in shape or color | :*'''E'''volution over time: The [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] is growing or changing in shape or color. | ||
Some melanomas do not fit the "rules" | Some [[Melanoma|melanomas]] do not fit the above mentioned "rules" and may be hard to tell if the [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] is normal or not. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these [[Symptom|symptoms]] should seek medical care as early as possible. | ||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
Clinical data has suggested that the development of melanoma is related to several factors. | Clinical data has suggested that the development of [[melanoma]] is related to several factors. | ||
:*Sunlight (solar UV radiation): Too much exposure to sunlight(solar UV radiation) is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most melanomas. | :*[[Sunlight]] (solar [[Ultraviolet|UV radiation]]): Too much exposure to [[sunlight]] (solar [[Ultraviolet|UV radiation]]) is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most [[Melanoma|melanomas]]. | ||
:*Moles: Although as a benign skin tumor, the mole increases the chance of | :*[[Melanocytic nevus|Moles]]: Although as a [[benign]] [[skin]] [[tumor]], the [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] increases the chance of developing [[melanoma]], especially for people with multiple [[Melanocytic nevus|moles]]. | ||
:*Genetic factors: Epidemiological data show that Whites with fair skin, freckles, or red | :*[[Genetics|Genetic]] factors: [[Epidemiology|Epidemiological]] data show that Whites with fair [[skin]], [[freckles]], or red/blonde [[hair]] have a higher risk of [[melanoma]] than the other races. | ||
:*Immunosuppressive factors: Clinical surveys suggest patients treated with Immunosuppressive | :*[[Immunosuppression|Immunosuppressive]] factors: Clinical surveys suggest that [[Patient|patients]] treated with [[Immunosuppression|Immunosuppressive]] medication, such as [[Organ transplant|transplant]] [[Patient|patients]], have an increased risk of developing [[melanoma]]. | ||
:*Previous melanoma: A person with previous history of melanoma has a higher risk of | :*Previous [[melanoma]]: A person with previous history of [[melanoma]] has a higher risk of developing [[melanoma]]. | ||
:*Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP): Patients with XP are at higher risk of melanoma because they can not repair damage caused by sunlight. | :*[[Xeroderma pigmentosum|Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)]]: [[Patient|Patients]] with [[Xeroderma pigmentosum|xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)]] are at a higher risk of developing [[melanoma]] because they can not repair [[Cell (biology)|cell]] damage caused by [[sunlight]]. | ||
:*Age: Epidemiological data suggest that melanoma can | :*Age: [[Epidemiology|Epidemiological]] data suggest that [[melanoma]] can affect both the old and younger population. | ||
:*Gender: Men have a higher chance of developing melanoma than women. | :*Gender: Men have a higher chance of developing [[melanoma]] than women. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Regular self-examinations are key to early detection of melanoma. | Regular self-examinations are key to early detection of [[melanoma]]. If you see a suspicious [[skin]] [[lesion]], it is advised to check up with your [[Dermatology|dermatologist]]. | ||
:*[[Biopsy]]: | :*[[Biopsy]]: Initially, [[Dermatology|dermatologists]] [[Diagnosis|diagnose]] [[skin]] [[cancer]] via visual [[Inspection (medicine)|inspection]] of the [[skin]] and [[Mucous membrane|mucous membranes]]. Then, if [[Cancer|malignancy]] is suspected, a [[biopsy]] is performed, which is the most important measure for the [[diagnosis]] of [[melanoma]]. | ||
:* | :*[[Imaging]] such as [[Computed tomography|computed tomography (CT) scan]], [[Magnetic resonance imaging|magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]], [[Positron emission tomography|positron emission tomography (PET) scan]], [[ultrasound]], and [[X-rays|x-ray]]: The goal of [[imaging]] is to help find out the extent of the [[melanoma]] and determine the stage of the [[disease]]. | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Call your dermatologist if symptoms of melanoma | Call your [[Dermatology|dermatologist]] if [[Symptom|symptoms]] of [[melanoma]] develop. | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Patients with melanoma have many treatment options. The | [[Patient|Patients]] with [[melanoma]] have many treatment options. The treatment plan depends on the [[Cancer staging|stage]] of the [[tumor]]. The available treatment options encompass [[surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], [[immunotherapy]] , or a combination of these. Before treatment starts, ask your [[health care]] team about the possible [[Adverse effect (medicine)|side effects]] of treatment and how treatment may affect your normal activities. Since [[cancer]] treatments often damage healthy [[Cell (biology)|cells]] and [[Tissue (biology)|tissues]], [[Adverse effect (medicine)|side effects]] are common. The [[Adverse effect (medicine)|side effects]] may not be the same for every person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next. | ||
:*Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment for most cases of melanoma. It can often cure early stage melanomas. Once the melanoma has spread from the skin to distant organs, the aim of surgery is to remove areas of spread and help patients live longer or have a better quality of life. | :*Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment for most cases of melanoma. It can often cure early stage melanomas. Once the melanoma has spread from the skin to distant organs, the aim of surgery is to remove areas of spread and help patients live longer or have a better quality of life. | ||
Revision as of 22:58, 1 January 2019
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
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Melanoma |
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Melanoma On the Web |
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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.
Overview
Melanoma is a cancer that starts in the melanocytes. Although much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, melanoma causes most skin cancer deaths. Usually, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color ,or feel of a mole. The ABCDE rule can help you tell a normal mole from an abnormal mole. Melanoma can be cured only if it is diagnosed and treated early. When it spreads to other parts of the body, the outlook could be very bad.
What are the symptoms of Melanoma?
Usually, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole. The ABCD rule can help you tell whether the mole is normal or not. Moles that have any of these signs should be checked by your doctor:
- Asymmetry: When one half of the mole does not match the other half.
- Border irregularity: The edges of the mole look ragged, blurred, or notched.
- Color: The color over the mole is not the same and may have shades of tan, brown, or black, and sometimes patches of pink, red, blue, or white.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than about 1/4 inch, although sometimes melanomas can be smaller.
- Evolution over time: The mole is growing or changing in shape or color.
Some melanomas do not fit the above mentioned "rules" and may be hard to tell if the mole is normal or not. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should seek medical care as early as possible.
Who is at highest risk?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of melanoma is related to several factors.
- Sunlight (solar UV radiation): Too much exposure to sunlight (solar UV radiation) is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most melanomas.
- Immunosuppressive factors: Clinical surveys suggest that patients treated with Immunosuppressive medication, such as transplant patients, have an increased risk of developing melanoma.
- Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP): Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) are at a higher risk of developing melanoma because they can not repair cell damage caused by sunlight.
- Age: Epidemiological data suggest that melanoma can affect both the old and younger population.
- Gender: Men have a higher chance of developing melanoma than women.
Diagnosis
Regular self-examinations are key to early detection of melanoma. If you see a suspicious skin lesion, it is advised to check up with your dermatologist.
- Biopsy: Initially, dermatologists diagnose skin cancer via visual inspection of the skin and mucous membranes. Then, if malignancy is suspected, a biopsy is performed, which is the most important measure for the diagnosis of melanoma.
- Imaging such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, ultrasound, and x-ray: The goal of imaging is to help find out the extent of the melanoma and determine the stage of the disease.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your dermatologist if symptoms of melanoma develop.
Treatment options
Patients with melanoma have many treatment options. The treatment plan depends on the stage of the tumor. The available treatment options encompass surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy , or a combination of these. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about the possible side effects of treatment and how treatment may affect your normal activities. Since cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. The side effects may not be the same for every person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.
- Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment for most cases of melanoma. It can often cure early stage melanomas. Once the melanoma has spread from the skin to distant organs, the aim of surgery is to remove areas of spread and help patients live longer or have a better quality of life.
- Radiation therapy: This is a cancer treatment to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing by using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation. Radiation therapy may be used to treat cancer which has come back and can not be removed by surgery, and distant spread to the brain or the bone.
- Chemotherapy: The treatment is to use drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Usually, chemotherapy is useful in treating cancer that has spread.
- Immunotherapy: This kind of treatment helps patients's immune system to better attack the cancer. There are many drugs of immunotherapy used for people with advanced melanoma, such as cytokines, interferon-alpha, melanoma vaccines and so on.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for melanoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating melanoma
Prevention of Melanoma
The best way to lower the risk of melanoma is to avoid too much exposure to the sun and other sources of UV light. Regular self check is also important.
- Sun protection practices: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscream, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, stay in the shade, wear sunglasses.
- Avoid other sources of UV light: Aavoidance of tanning beds and sun lamps.
- Check for abnormal moles and have them removed: Regular check for your moles and go to see your dermatologist.
- Genetic counseling and testing: If you have previous melanoma or a family history of melanoma, go to see your dermatologist for genetic counseling and testing.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis of melanoma depends on the following:
- The stage of melanoma: Whether cancer is found in the outer layer of skin only, or has spread to the lymph nodes, or to distant places in the body.
- The location and size of the tumor
- Whether there was bleeding or ulceration at the primary site
- The patient’s general health
Resources
Patient information
- What You Need To Know About Moles and Dysplastic Nevi - patient information booklet from cancer.gov (PDF)
- MPIP: Melanoma patients information page
- Melanoma Support Organisation (Victoria, Australia) - Ran by Melanoma Sufferers with strong links to Cancer Institutes in Victoria, Australia
- Melanoma Patients Australia
- Mikes Page - The Melanoma Resource Center
- MEL-L - Melanoma e-mail list for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals - Supporting the Melanoma Patient since 1996