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Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal or "ugly looking."

Thinking of "ABCD" can help you remember what to watch for:

Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated early. If melanoma is not removed in its early stages, cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface and invade healthy tissue. If it spreads to other parts of the body it can be difficult to control.

Malignant Melanoma on Wikipedia

'''Melanoma''' is a malignant tumour of melanocytes. Melanocytes predominantly occur in the skin but can be found elsewhere, especially the eye. The vast majority of melanomas originate in the skin.

Causes

Epidemiologic studies suggest that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the major contributors to the development of melanoma. Other candidates are mutations in or total loss of tumor suppressor genes. Important factors in determining risk include the intensity and duration of solar exposure, the age at which solar exposure occurs, and the degree of skin pigmentation (see skin types). Exposure during childhood is a more important risk factor than exposure in adulthood. (This is seen in migration studies in Australia where people tend to retain the risk profile of their country of birth if they migrate to Australia as an adult). Fair and red-headed people are at greater risk. Some other risk factors include the "dysplastic naevus syndrome", a previous history of melanoma, and a history of melanoma in the immediate family.

Symptoms

Diagnosis of melanoma requires expert knowledge, as early stages may look identical to harmless moles or not have any color at all. Beyond this expert knowledge a biopsy is often required to assist in making the diagnosis, confirming the diagnosis and in defining the severity of the melanoma. A popular method for remembering the signs and symptoms of melanoma is the mnemonic ABCDE: * '''A'''symmetrical skin lesion * '''B'''order of the lesion is irregular * '''C'''olor: melanomas are often black but can be multicolored; any change in color should prompt a doctor's visit. * '''D'''iameter: any mole that increases in diameter or any large mole should be seen by a dermatologist. * '''E'''volution: any changes in the above categories should be watched closely ...   [ Read More ]

External Resources

BirchTrees Skincare Products - Non-toxic sunscreen and after sun skincare products designed by a high-risk melanoma family. Features zinc oxide, aloe and betulin derived from the bark of birch trees.

Cancer Salves - Alternative cancer treatments such as cancer salves, cancer diets, bloodroot, black salve and Essiac tea are expertly described as skin cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer alternative treatments.

BNCT Program at Harvard / MIT for GBM and Melanoma - Joint site for the project by CareGroup, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Melanoma Vaccine: Oncophage - Discussion of melanoma by Antigenics, Inc. in the context of its vaccine therapy trials.

Argos Therapeutics - Developing therapeutic vaccines against carcinoma, melanoma, leukemia and HIV. Includes pipeline for monoclonal for lupus, RNA-loaded dendritic cell technology and profile of company in Durham, North Carolina.

Progenics Pharmaceuticals Inc. - Develops and commercializes innovative products for the treatment of melanoma, prostate cancer, viral diseases, including HIV. Information for investors, and details of the company in Tarrytown, New York. (Nasdaq: PGNX)

Aventis Cancer Vaccine Program - Studying the possibilities of using an immunotherapeutic approach for melanoma, breast and colorectal and tumors. Includes results of clinical research, FAQ, contact form, and profile of research partners in Canada.

Karyon - Offers products in angiogenesis and cell growth regulation, focusing on protected ligands that target specifically to sarcomas and melanomas. Includes research and technology overview, and information for investors in Helsinki, Finland.

ACS: Non-melanoma Skin Cancer - The American Cancer Society presents overview knowledge of the subject.

Melanoma Research - Provides access to full text content, online-only content, features and services and author submission materials.

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