There are many factors that can increase the risk. In order to reduce your risk, you should wear sunscreen every day. In addition, you should avoid tanning beds and avoid blistering sunburns. You should also be aware of your genetic and socioeconomic status, as these factors may affect your risk of developing the disease.
A doctor will evaluate your skin to determine whether the growth is melanoma. A biopsy is a way to examine the cells under a microscope to determine the type of cancer present. This test will also help your doctor determine the depth of the melanoma and how much it has spread. Early detection can result in cure, but left untreated, the cancer can travel to distant organs. Treatment options for melanoma depend on the stage of the disease, where it is located, and your general health.
If you have been diagnosed with melanoma, you may be anxious between checkups. Fortunately, most patients live longer than five years after diagnosis. The Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Melanoma Management recommend follow-ups every six months for patients with stage one disease, and three months for those with stage two or higher. Whether you opt for chemotherapy or surgery, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor. If the cancer is found early, you can still go about your daily life.
While melanoma usually starts on sunburned areas, it can also develop in previously unexposed areas. The face, arms, and legs are the most common locations for melanoma. Because melanomas are less common on dark skin, the most important way to prevent it is to protect yourself from the sun. However, it is important to be aware of the possible risks of sun exposure in the areas of your body that you frequently expose yourself to.
It is important to get a proper diagnosis because if you miss it, the cancer may spread to distant parts of the body. If you are unsure of your risk, you can participate in a clinical trial of drugs, devices, or medical treatments. You can also limit your exposure to the sun by wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors, wear sunscreen, and use lip balm that contains sunscreen.
Aside from surgery, melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes, so treatment options can vary. A surgical procedure can remove the tumor or part of it, but other procedures may require surgery. Some children do not respond well to surgery and may have to be treated with immunotherapy instead. These drugs activate the immune system to fight the cancer cells. Some immunotherapies are given to children aged 12 and older. One such treatment is Yervoy(r) therapy, which is a type of immunotherapy given through injection.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is likely that you have melanoma. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the U.S., with numbers increasing steadily for over 30 years. While it is rarer than other types of skin cancer, it is significantly more dangerous than non-melanoma skin cancer. Most people with melanoma will develop a mole or asymmetry before it progresses to other areas.
