Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. There are two main types of tumors: benign and malignant. Malignant tumors are cancerous and may spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. Benign tumors do not metastasize to other locations.
Melanoma is a malignancy of the melanocyte. Melanocytes are normal cells of the skin that produce melanin, the pigment of the skin. Malignant melanocytes can penetrate all layers of the skin. In addition, the malignant melanocytes can detach from the original tumor, also known as the primary site, and may spread to other parts of body through the blood or lymph.
Yes, melanoma can affect men and women of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds. But, there are some risk factors that can influence the likelihood of developing a melanoma.
A melanoma can be diagnosed ONLY by a physician. A physician must remove all or part of a suspicious mole and have it examined in a laboratory by a pathologist. This process is also known as taking a biopsy.
You can help yourself and your physician in the early detection of a melanoma by performing monthly self-skin examinations. The Check Your Skin campaign is devoted to teaching the public about melanoma and about the importance of the monthly self-skin examination.
Self-skin examination reminder cards are available through this website, at Check Your Skin workshops, or in various locations of the community.
Please contact the Check Your Skin project in order to have a volunteer visit your group, organization or school for a free workshop.
Yes, unfortunately, the American Cancer Society predicts that 7, 800 Americans will die from malignant melanoma in 2001. A total of 51, 400 new cases are expected to be diagnosed during 2001.
Fortunately, survival rates for people treated for early melanoma is 96%. The five-year survival rate is only 13% for people who have advanced, metastatic melanoma. Therefore, early detection of melanoma increases survival.
Early detection can begin with YOU by performing monthly self-skin examinations and immediately reporting ANY suspicious changes to your physician.
Surgical excision is the ideal treatment for a superficial melanoma limited to the skin. A melanoma that has spread to lymph nodes, and other organs usually requires surgical exploration with possible chemotherapy and/or radiation.
The development of a melanoma vaccine for treatment, not prevention, is being studied at a variety of medical centers, but a vaccine has not yet been perfected.
