Melanoma - Cancer of the Skin

Melanoma is a cancer of the skin that is malignant and can be found prominently on the skin but can also be found in the bowel and even the eye. Melanoma is the rarest of skin cancers but it causes the most skin cancer related deaths. Melanoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth of pigment cells known as melanocytes. The only cure for melanoma is to surgically remove the tumor before it grows to a size of 1mm. There are close to 160,000 new cases of melanoma worldwide each and every year and according to the World Health Organization there are approximately 48,000 deaths related to melanoma each year as well. 75 percent of all deaths from skin cancer are associated to malignant melanoma. Treatment for melanoma includes the aforementioned surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and even radiation therapy. It is recommended by doctors that anyone who has a family history of melanoma should see a dermatologist at least once a year to make sure they are not developing melanoma themselves.

The first case of melanoma did not come until the 1960s; at least the oldest known case was discovered until the 1960s. Scientists were working on a group of mummies when they noticed deformities in their skin. It was determined that these mummies did have some type of malignant melanoma. The mummies dated back at least 2,400 years. The first operation related to melanoma occurred in 1787 by a man named John Hunter. The tumor that was removed from the skin was preserved in the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The mass was not examined until the year of 1968. Upon examination and testing it was concluded that the mass was in fact a form of metastatic melanoma.

There is a mnemonic device to best remember the signs and symptoms of melanoma. It is "ABCDE."

A: asymmetrical skin lesion

B: border of the lesion is irregular

C: color: melanomas usually have multiple colors

D: diameter: moles greater than 5mm are more likely to be melanomas than smaller ones

E: evolution: the evolution or change of a mole or lesion may be a hint that the lesion is becoming malignant. Elevation: the mole is raised or elevated above the skin.

There are seven types of melanoma. They are superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, clear cell sarcoma, mucosal melanoma and uveal melanoma. As with all types of cancers, especially malignant ones, there are four stages of the disease that melanoma can be active in. The stages are Stage I, Stage II, Stage III and Stage IV. Each different stage has sublevels that the melanoma can develop in.

Patients suffering from melanoma can feel a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, an uncomfortable feeling and a general weakness throughout the body. Melanoma, like all other cancers, cannot be completely cured but it can be kept under control with radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. As with all chemotherapy treatments a feeling of fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, bowel problems and weight loss can occur.

What Is Skin Cancer? Risk Factors and Detection

Our bodies are made up of individual cells which are designed to reproduce, allowing for growth and an extended, healthy life. By serving their purpose, reproducing, and dying, they leave new, fresh, and fully functional cells to continue to perform bodily functions. After many cycles of reproduction, due to natural cellular degeneration over time or outside influences causing mutations, some cells fail to reproduce and die at the normal rate, and can start reproducing too much and form growths. These growths may be benign, or they may be malignant, in which case they are referred to as cancerous tumors. Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cells to mutate and create growths, some benign and some malignant. What is a benign growth and what is skin cancer is a question you should ask your doctor.

If you have a rash, lump, or wound that doesn't seem to heal, this could be a cancerous tumor. Rather than ignoring these symptoms, you should see a doctor and find out what they are, although something like this should be an obvious reason to talk to a doctor regardless of the cancer risk.

The symptoms mentioned above may indicate squamous or basal cell carcinoma, which are the two most common nonmelanoma skin cancers. Squamous cells are the top layer of the skin. They are round and flat and protect against the environment. Beneath this layer of cells are the basal cells, which can also form tumors.

Most people have an average of 10 to 40 moles or nevi, which are benign, noncancerous growths. They often appear in the face, back, and arms, places which are frequently exposed to sunlight. Nevi are growths formed from mutated melanocytes, the cells which pigment the skin. These are located between the dermis, where sweat glands and hair follicles are located, and the epidermis, made up of basal and squamous cells. Melanocyte growths which turn cancerous are called melanoma.

Check your skin regularly for any abnormalities, especially if you have dysplastic nevi, which are irregularly shaped moles. If these nevi change in any way, including in size, shape, color or texture, or if the surrounding tissue becomes irritated, you should consult a doctor. If a new dysplastic nevi forms on your body, a doctor may want to do a biopsy to see if it is cancerous. This is generally done by removing the entire mole, and this may be all the treatment you need to get rid of the cancer. If the cancer is allowed to metastasize, additional tumors may form in other parts of the body by wandering cancerous cells which reproduce elsewhere, so early detection is extremely important.

You should not expose yourself to UV radiation if you can avoid it. When you go out in the sun, you should use sunscreen or protective clothing. Do not tan yourself too much and avoid sunburns, and do not use tanning beds. New research shows that tanning beds are an important risk factor for melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer.

Ask a doctor if you have any suspicious irregularities in your skin, and familiarize yourself with your skin and moles so you can do self-examinations. Any irregularity should be examined by a doctor, who can tell you what is skin cancer and what may be a normal growth or another condition.

3 Types of Skin Cancer - Most Common - What Do You Know About Them?

The three types of skin cancer, most common, are Basal Cell Cancer, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma, in that order.

Basal Cell Skin Cancer is the worlds most common and affects more than one million people in the US each year. It rarely spreads; it grows slowly and is highly curable in the early stages. Nevertheless, no one should take basal cell cancer lightly as it can be quite disfiguring if not properly treated promptly. Almost all of this type of cancer occurs on body parts most exposed to the sun and is a result of sun damage.

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer is the second most common. It also grows slowly but as it does grow, it can suddenly change to a faster rate. Such was the case with me. When this happens, it can grow inward and can reach vital organs. The growth is usually local and it can affect close organs. Again it is usually caused by sun damage due to overexposure. The sun damaged skin can be unnoticeable; however a person would feel a rough scaly patch on their skin. This is precancerous and can go a long time (years) without much change or noticeable growth. This condition is known as actinic keratosis. It can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. In this precancerous stage it can be removed by a dermatologist spraying liquid nitrogen and freezing the affected area. It is highly curable in the early stages. Mine spread to a stage 3 and it was successfully removed, although more difficult and more damaging in side effects, both short and long term.

Melanoma is the third most common of the types of skin cancer. About 50,000 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed in the US every year and the number is increasing. It is estimated that 1 in 70 people will develop melanoma in their lifetime. About 8,000 per year lose their lives to malignant melanoma. It usually develops as a pigmented mole or dark spot on the skin, but can also be pale in color, making it appear innocent. Although it is the most deadly, it is also highly curable in the earliest stages.

The prognosis for malignant melanoma is greater if it has not spread beyond the outer layer of the skin into the lymph nodes or other places in the body.

The best protection would be to avoid over exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds and live a healthy life style for a strong immune system.

Learn to do regular self skin exams to be watching for changes in moles, freckles, or any new occurrence on your skin. It's you who has the first chance to spot it.

To learn more about these 3 common types and other rare types of skin cancer visit the website given below.

Always seek the advice of your doctor, dermatologist or qualified health professional when you see something suspicious happening on your skin.

Excessive Itching and Other Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be particularly difficult to detect at an early stage; however, there are certain symptoms that may indicate its presence in certain people. That is to say - early warning signs may show in a minority of people only (the majority will show none at all).

Symptoms may include the following:

• 
  Loss of appetite - a common complaint that may easily get put down to other ailments (pancreatic cancer [at first] is usually never though of as a possible reason for the loss of appetite).


• 
  Weigh-loss (without a reason) - when no diet or exercise regime has been put in place; however, it could indicate the growth (development) of a tumor that is causing a shortage of nutrients to the body - vital for the body's health (pancreatic cancer would not usually be diagnosed [at first] where there exists a nutritional problem).


• 
  Abdominal Pains - are a clear symptom; however, they are something that may often get missed, and put down to other ailments. Pains usually start in the upper abdomen, then move around to the back (the size of the tumor may already be large at this stage, whilst metastasis [spread] may have also taken place in distant parts of the body - other organs).


• 
  Jaundice - often associated with babies; although, without any form of pain - it is a yellowing of the skin, with the presence of a pale stool and dark urine. The cause is usually due to a nearby tumor growth that often inhibits the flow of bile from the bile ducks resulting in a blockage.


• 
  Itching - is usually a late stage symptom (a mortal symptom) that is caused by a blocked pancreas (resulting in bile getting discharged into other parts of the body). The discharge has a direct effect on the skin that causes the sensation of itching (itching is usually excessive with the need to be scratched - the more it is scratched, the more it itches).


• 
  Nausea and Vomiting - become more prevalent as the cancer progresses. This is due to the pancreas' inability to release enzymes into the body that are needed for a functional digestive system.

Note: When both excessive itching, nausea and vomiting are present together - the indication is that pancreatic cancer is at a very late, and almost impossible stage to treat (a 3 - 6-month prognosis [life-expectancy] is quite normal at this final stage).

Skin Cancer News

Everyone is at risk to develop skin cancer. Recent publication of new research has raised concern about those of us who spend a great deal of our time outside in the sun for fun or work. Dr. Darrell Rigel of New York University looked at a select group of adults with out door summer jobs three years in a row.

The staggering news was that we are 5 to 20 times more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, with more and more time in the sun. They were able to identify six risk factors that led to greater sun exposure and greater risk of skin cancer. It is very simple. The more of these risk factors you have the greater the risk.

Risk factors that the study identified were:

1. An outdoor summer job.

2. History of blistering sunburn

3. Having naturally red or blond hair

4. Freckling of the upper back

5. Personal history of previous melanoma

6. History of actinic keratosis

The study participants were 18 to 70 years of age, a good sampling across a broad range. Having fair skin or a past history of two or more episodes of blistering sunburn confirm our previous understanding of how those innocent events lead to greater risk of skin cancer. Actinic keratosis is a form of sun damaged skin that can be a precancerous condition. The skin remembers or accumulates sun damage over a lifetime in many small installments. The average lifetime risk of developing a melanoma is relatively low at 1.5%.

Having even one of these risk factors increased the odds by more than twice to 3-5%. Dr Rigel's study actually looked at over 40 risk factors but these six were the only ones that correlated closely with more frequent skin cancer. An interesting note is that age alone without a history of excessive sun exposure was not a risk factor. Editorial comments by Dr Rigel summarized that the real risks are simply "genetic susceptibility and exposure to ultraviolet light".

These findings emphasize the need for preventive measures when spending time outdoors. Liberal and frequent use of sunscreens and appropriate clothing to minimize the damaging effects of excessive sun exposure is critical. In the future there may be other more sophisticated ways to decrease our susceptibility. For now basic common sense and consistent use of inexpensive tools like sunscreens and sun block can make the difference in a life free of skin cancer.

Symptoms of Lymphoma in Women

Symptoms of lymphoma in women are generally the same as for men.

Lymphoma often develops quietly and with few symptoms so it may take a while before you may realize that there is something very much the matter.

Following is a list of the typical symptoms of lymphoma in women and symptoms of lymphoma in men alike.

One thing to keep in mind is that these lymphoma symptoms can be symptoms of any of a large number of conditions that are generally harmless.

For this reason, it's wise to consult with your doctor if you experience any of them.

1. Enlargement of the Lymph Nodes

This is the most characteristic lymphoma symptom and can be the only symptom that one experiences.

It's very important to note that a lot of different things can cause an enlargement of the lymph nodes and it does NOT necessarily mean you have lymphoma!

Typically, the lymph nodes of the groin, armpit and neck will swell but cause no pain.

Humans have 500+ lymph nodes in the body which are basically "forts" of immunity.

When they swell, it is often indicative of the body initiating an immune response against some type of microscopic invader.

You may notice these lumps in the course of your daily routine, such as when showering or applying creams, etc.

The symptoms outlined most often only indicate a possible lymphoma if they are discovered in addition to swollen lymph nodes.

2. Losing Weight

Typically, sudden weight loss will occur over a period of several months with no good reason.

Weight loss can range from a few pounds to up to 20 or so.

3. Running a Fever

A random fever that keeps occurring for no good reason (i.e., is not connected with a flu, cold, etc.) is usually an indication to go see your physician.

Symptoms of lymphoma can be confused with symptoms of other illnesses and, in fact, a lymphoma that causes fever accompanied by lymph node swelling is frequently mistaken for a flu or something similar.

Additionally, in those afflicted by a Hodgkins type lymphoma, a quintessential type of fever termed Pel-Ebstein fever can develop.

4. Night Sweats

Excess sweating at night may find you waking up soaked in your own sweat.

5. Pruritis (Itchiness)

Lymphoma cells can secrete certain substance which cause the entire body to be itchy, a condition known as pruritis.

6. Lack of Appetite

Individuals with lymphoma can experience a drop in their usual appetite which can also cause weight loss, one of the other symptoms of lymphoma listed above.

7. Fatigue and Listlessness

Cancer cells hijack the body's energy resource that would otherwise be utilized by healthy cells, causing a drop in energy levels.

8. Swelling

Depending upon where a lymphoma grows (and it can occur in any organ of the body), it may compress and block off veins, effectively limiting blood supply and causing swelling.

Site-specific lymphomas produce rather widely varying symptoms.

A lymphoma of the brain may cause pains in one's legs while a lymphoma in the stomach can cause stomach pains.

General Symptoms of Lymphoma in Women and General Symptoms of Lymphoma in Men

The first and most obvious sign of lymphoma is adenopathy, aka lymphadenopathy, which is a painless swelling of the lymph nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes by themselves, however, are NOT necessarily an indication of lymphoma.

It requires medical testing to confirm or negate the diagnosis.

Symptoms of lymphoma can come in many varieties, dependent upon the location of the lymphoma, the stage of growth, size of tumor, etc.

Symptoms linked with bone marrow issues such as becoming anemic (having a low red blood cell count) are uncommon in the beginning stages of a lymphoma but often are seen later in the game and often as a result of treatment.

MALT (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphomas affect any mucosal site, the stomach being the most common one. Alterations in bowel movement and stomach pains can be indications.

As far as the stomach lymphoma goes, if it is a result of infection with the H. Pylori bacterium, antibiotic treatment can cause the lymphoma to regress in 70%+ of cases.

How To Report Your Symptoms To A Doctor Effectively:

Describe the intensity of your symptom on a scale such as "This hurts about a 7 out of 10″.

For visually observable symptoms, show them to the doctor and also explain how they started off and looked like initially.

Explain when you first experienced your symptoms

How long have you been experiencing this symptom?

Is the symptom constant or does it come and go?

Describe any medications or dietary supplements you take/did take starting from the time symptoms manifested.

Do the symptoms change depending upon body positioning, time of day, etc.?

Do certain foods trigger the symptoms?

Be as descriptive as possible. The more accurate and specific the information you give, the more your doctor will be able to pinpoint the nature of your problem (if you have any!) and the better he/she will be able to treat you and advise you.

As you can see the Symptoms of Lymphoma in Women are generally the same as they are for men. It's important to pay attention to your body and note any symptoms you may have so that you can discuss them with your doctor in detail and he will be in a better position to help you.

Non Melanomatous Skin Cancer in Ireland

Skin cancer can be divided into two main groups:

Malignant melanoma and

Non-melanoma skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest, but most serious form. It affects the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) found in the skin and can appear as a new mole, or arise from an existing mole on the skin. Malignant melanoma has the potential to spread to other sites or organs within the body but is curable if treated early. Each year about 235 females and 150 males are diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Ireland.

Non-melanoma skin cancers (Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma)

Non-melanoma skin cancers are far more common but less dangerous than malignant melanoma and rarely fatal. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma frequently appear on sun-exposed skin after many years of exposure. This exposure also causes premature ageing of the skin. Non-malignant skin cancers are easily treated by minor surgery. If left, non-melanoma skin cancers will grow and disfigure - therefore early treatment is recommended. Each year about 7,500 people are diagnosed with non-melanomatous skin cancers in Ireland with 3445 in females, 3889 in males.

Basal cell carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas

Solar keratoses (actinic)

Solar keratoses develop on skin which has been damaged by long term sun exposure. Usually many are present and can appear as hard, scaly lumps. Some become unsightly as they slowly grow larger. The skin underneath solar keratoses can vary in colour from a normal fleshy shade to pink or red. Sometimes these skin lesions can become itchy. Common sites are the face, backs of hands, forearms, ears, scalp and neck. Solar keratoses are not skin cancers. However, a very small percentage can develop into a skin cancer in later life. Some specialists regard solar keratoses as precursors to skin cancer, therefore it is important to seek medical advice on treatment.

- Solar keratoses appear as hard scaly lumps on the skin. They may crust but do not heal.

- Solar keratoses can be rough, scaly irregular patches which are easily felt but not clearly seen.

- Often they are not troublesome in anyway but do not heal.

- Some are very troublesome, if present on the lips or nose as they tend to bleed spontaneously.

Solar keratoses are most frequently treated by freezing using Liquid Nitrogen (Cryotherapy) or by applying a treatment cream. Some larger lesions may be removed by minor surgery under local anaesthesia. Treatment is usually carried out on an out-patient basis with the minimum disruption to your daily routine. All treatments aim to cure. The most appropriate treatment depends on the size, site and number of solar keratoses. Solar keratoses seldom recur following treatment but others may develop over the years.

Who is most at risk of developing skin cancer?.

People with very fair skin are most at risk of developing skin cancer. Those who cannot develop a tan are most at risk of malignant melanoma, but everyone is at risk of being sunburnt, especially indoor employees, children and babies. Malignant melanoma is more common in females. Non-melanoma skin cancers are most frequently seen in older age groups and outdoor workers who have a continuous all-year tan. The incidence of skin cancer is rapidly rising in the young adult population.

Are skin cancers treatable?

Both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are curable if treated in the early stages. A minor surgical procedure is all that is usually required to remove cancers of the skin. Regular inspection of skin and moles at home helps in recognising any abnormal skin lesions or changing moles. Change in size, shape and colour of a mole are the early warning signs of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of these skin cancer, because it can quickly metastasise to other parts of the body. However, if is detected soon after if first develops, it is curable by simple surgical excision. In Ireland, over 375 cases of melanoma are reported each year and up to 60 Irish people will die of this disease.

The most common form of skin cancer in Ireland is basal cell carcinoma BCC, of which over 3,500 new cases are reported each year. These numbers are almost halfed between male and female and the incidence shows a small increase over the past six years. This cancer very rarely spreads to other organs but if left undetected, will continue to grow slowly, and may invade the underlying tissues. Again, this tumour is curable by surgery or radiotherapy. The third type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma SCC, which often develops from a solar keratosis or sunspot. If it is not treated early, it may spread to other parts of the body, but is again curable before that occurs by either surgery or radiotherapy. About 600 females and 1,000 males develop squamous cell carcinoma in Ireland each year. The other cancers include those of baso-squamous (mixed) carcinomas and other morphologies.

Sunshine is the single most important causative factor for all skin cancers.

Ultra-violet rays contained in sunshine are known to be harmful and can cause skin cancers. The increase in skin cancers in Ireland has been linked with the desire to have a tan, with repeated sunburn, fair skin types and genetic factors, such as number of moles.

Malignant melanoma is associated with frequent high intensity sun exposure. Whereas non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by long-term exposure to low intensity sunshine. The amount of sun exposure during childhood and frequency of sunburn are now believed to increase the risk of developing skin cancers in adult life. It is therefore most important to protect all children from intense sunshine. Hats, T-shirts and sunscreens are recommended at home, at school and on holiday.

Providing protection against the sun

Sunscreens are vital whenever exposed to strong sunlight, at home as well as abroad. Always reapply sunscreens after water sports, games or exercise. Children play outdoors during the hottest part of the day whilst at school, therefore it is wise to apply an SPF 15+ to your children before they go to school. Emulsions such as Anthelios XL contain aluminium hydroxide and can be used with infants and with highly intolerant skin. ROC make a rnumber of products in the MINESOL(TM) range, including mineral sunblock cream SPF 40, which is recommended for babies in case of inevitable exposure. This particular 100% mineral screen cream has a pleasant and almost invisible texture. During sunny periods liberal sunscreen application should become a daily routine each morning before dressing or 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Heatwaves in Ireland are not uncommon, therefore sunscreens are useful in handbags and first-aid boxes. It is important to apply sunscreens as recommended by the manufacturer. Most sunscreens identify a sun protection factor (SPF) which can range from SPF - SPF60+. The SPF is calculated by each manufacturer for their own particular product so it is important to remember that SPF may differ between brands of sunscreen. All sun protection factors are based on how long it takes for unprotected skin to burn (average length of time = 10 minutes). For example, if you use SPF 15+ the protection offered would last approximately 2-3 hours i.e. (10 minutes X 15 =150 minutes). The SPF is a rough guide only, therefore care and attention should be given to skin type, the strength of the rays or sunshine, time of day, season and latitude from the equator. Many products including Antherpos or Uvistat Lip screen or MINESOL(TM) Sun stick SPF 20 offer lip protection especially in people who are prone to recurrent herpes labialitis.

Sunbeds and solariums

Ultraviolet radiation (UVA rays) emitted from sunbeds and solariums is now known to have harmful effects on skin. Suncreams and Lotions such as Uvistat contain chemical agents and titanium dioxide and are UVA protectants. Excessive use of sunbeds can cause rapid ageing of the skin, long term damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. There is no such thing as a safe tan. Many people today use sunbeds to develop or maintain a tan. Some people believe that a suntan from a sunbed is a safe tan. Skin specialists say a tan is a sign of skin damage and advise everyone to avoid the use of sunbeds and solariums. This is especially important for the very fair skinned and persons under the age of sixteen. Likewise, persons with skin cancer or those with a family history of skin cancer should never use sunbeds or solariums.

NMS cancer statistics for Ireland

* Average of 7334 new cases per year, 1994-96: 3445 in females, 3889 in males.

* Average of 40 deaths per year: 10 in females, 30 in males.

* Age-standardised incidence rates about 48% higher in males than females.

* By far the most common type of cancer in both females and males.

* Recorded incidence rates higher in Republic of Ireland (RoI) than in Northern Ireland (NI), by about 16% for females and 26% for males, but this possibly reflects differences in registration practice.

On average each year, 3445 new cases of malignant non-melanoma skin cancer (NMS) were registered in females, 3889 in males, in Ireland as a whole. NMS cases (primarily squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas) were by far the most common category of cancer in both females and males (29% of all malignant cancer cases).

European-age-standardised rates were significantly higher among males than females, by about 48%. On average, females were estimated to have a 1-in-12 chance of developing these cancers by age 74, males a 1-in-8 chance. Median age at diagnosis was 72 years for females and 70 years for males. In the period 1994-96 only 10 deaths among females and 30 deaths among males were attributed to non-melanoma skin cancer each year. This represents about 1 death for every 200 incident cases, reflecting the fact that these cancers are rarely fatal. Reported mortality rates (EASRs) were significantly higher in males than females, by about 370% (95% confidence limits 200-645%), but inaccurate certification of causes of death may possibly contribute. On average, females were estimated to have a 1-in-6600 chance, males a 1-in-1600 chance, of dying from these cancers by age 74.

Comparison of incidence rates within Ireland

Recorded incidence rates of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMS) were significantly higher in RoI than in NI for both males and females. However, these differences may possibly reflect, in part, higher case ascertainment (completeness of registration) in RoI than NI, as a result of a more targeted effort to collate all NMS cases in RoI. Involvement of other factors cannot be excluded however.