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{{SI}}
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Melanoma|here]]'''
{{Melanoma (patient information)}}


'''Editor-in-Chief:''' Jinhui Wu
'''Editor-in-Chief:''' [[C. Michael Gibson]], M.S.,M.D. [mailto:charlesmichaelgibson@gmail.com]  Phone:617-632-7753; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' Jinhui Wu, M.D.


{{EJ}}
==Overview==
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 is melanoma?==
==What are the symptoms of Melanoma?==
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 ABCD 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 spreads to other parts of the body, the outlook could be very bad.
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:


==How do I know if I have melanoma and what are the symptoms of melanoma?==
:*'''A'''symmetry: When one half of the [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] does not match the other half.
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.  


:*'''A'''symmetry: It means one half of the mole does not match the other half.
:*'''B'''order irregularity: The edges of the [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] look ragged, blurred, or notched.


:*'''B'''order irregularity: The edges of the mole looks ragged, blurred, or notched.
:*'''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.


:*'''C'''olor: The color over the mole is not the same and may be 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 [[Melanoma|melanomas]] can be smaller.


:*'''D'''iameter: The mole is larger than about 1/4 inch, although sometimes melanomas can be smaller.
:*'''E'''volution over time: The [[Melanocytic nevus|mole]] is growing or changing in shape or color.


:*The mole is growing or changing in shape or color
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.


Some melanomas do not fit the "rules" above 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 tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
==Who is at highest risk?==
Clinical data has suggested that the development of [[melanoma]] is related to several factors.


==Who is at risk for melanoma?==
:*[[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]].
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.
:*[[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]].


:*Moles: Although as a benign skin tumor, the mole increases the chance of getting melanoma, espcially for people with many moles.
:*[[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.
 
:*Genetic factors: Epidemiological data show that Whites with fair skin, freckles, or red or blond hair have a higher risk of melanoma than other race.
      
      
:*Immunosuppressive factors: Clinical surveys suggest patients treated with Immunosuppressive medicines such as transplant patients, have an increased risk of developing melanoma.  
:*[[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 getting another melanoma.  
:*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 thay 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 be found both in old people and in younger people.
:*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.


==How to know you have melanoma?==
==Diagnosis==
Regular self-examinations are key to early detection of melanoma. Any time skin cancer is suspected, go to see a dermatologist.
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: At first dermatologists detect skin cancer through a visual examination of the skin and mucous membranes. Then, if malignancy is suspected, a biopsy will be performed. It is the most important measure for the diagnosis of melanoma.
:*[[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]].


:*Images tests such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, ultrasound and chest-x-ray: The goal of these image tests are to help find out the extent of the melanoma and determine the stage of the disease.
:*[[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 develops.
Call your [[Dermatology|dermatologist]] if [[Symptom|symptoms]] of [[melanoma]] develop.


==Treatment options==
==Treatment options==
Patients with melanoma have many treatment options. The selection depends on the stage of the tumor. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy , or a combination of these methods. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.  
[[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 in most cases of [[melanoma]]. It can often cure [[Cancer staging|early stage]] [[Melanoma|melanomas]]. Once the [[melanoma]] has spread from the [[skin]] to distant [[Organ (anatomy)|organs]], the aim of [[surgery]] is to remove the distant secondary [[Lesion|lesions]] and help [[Patient|patients]] live longer with 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.
:*[[Radiation therapy]]: This is a [[cancer]] treatment used to kill [[cancer]] [[Cell (biology)|cells]] or keep them from growing by using high-energy [[Radiation therapy|radiation]]. [[Radiation therapy]] may be used to treat a recurring [[lesion]] that cannot be removed by [[surgery]], and distant secondary [[Lesion|lesions]] 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.  
:*[[Chemotherapy]]: This treatment involves the use of [[Drug|drugs]] to stop the growth of [[cancer]] [[Cell (biology)|cells]] either by killing the [[Cell (biology)|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.
:*[[Immunotherapy]]: This kind of treatment helps [[Patient|patient's]] [[immune system]] to adapt and attack the [[cancer]] [[Cell (biology)|cells]]. The [[immunotherapy]] used to treat advanced [[melanoma]] involves [[Cytokine|cytokines]], [[interferon-alpha]], [[melanoma]] [[Vaccine|vaccines]], and [[oncolytic virus]] [[therapy]].


==Diseases with similar symptoms==
==Diseases with similar symptoms==
:*[[Benign junctional nevus]]
:*[[Nevus|Benign junctional nevus]]


:*[[Cellular blue nevus]]
:*[[Blue nevus|Cellular blue nevus]]


:*[[Basal cell carcinoma]]
:*[[Basal cell carcinoma]]


:*[[Sclerosing angioma]]
:*[[Angioma|Sclerosing angioma]]


:*[[Seborrheic keratosis]]
:*[[Seborrheic keratosis]]
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[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|melanoma}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating melanoma]
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|melanoma}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating melanoma]


==Prevention of 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.  
The best way to lower the risk of [[melanoma]] is to avoid too much exposure to the sun and other sources of [[Ultraviolet|UV light]]. Regular self check-up 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.
:*Sun protection practices: Slip on a shirt, slop on [[Sunscreen|sunscreem]], slap on a wide-brimmed hat, stay in the shade, wear sunglasses.
 
:*Avoid other sources of [[Ultraviolet|UV light]]: Avoidance of tanning beds and sun lamps.
 
:*Check for abnormal [[Melanocytic nevus|moles]] and have them removed: Regular self [[Physical examination|examinations]] and [[Dermatology|dermatologist]] check-ups.
 
:*[[Genetic counseling]] and [[testing]]: If you have a previous or [[family history]] of [[melanoma]], it is advised to check-up with your [[Dermatology|dermatologist]] for [[genetic counseling]] and testing.


:*Avoid other sources of UV light: Aavoidance of tanning beds and sun lamps.
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
The [[prognosis]] of [[melanoma]] depends on the following:


:*Check for abnormal moles and have them removed: Regular check for your moles and go to see your dermatologist.
:*The stage of [[melanoma]]: Whether the [[cancer]] is found in the outer layer of [[skin]] only, or has spread to the [[Lymph node|lymph nodes]], distant locations in the [[Human body|body]]


:*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.
:*The location and size of the [[tumor]]


==What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?==
:*Presence of [[bleeding]] or [[Ulcer|ulceration]] at the site of the [[melanoma]]
 
:*The [[Patient|patient’s]] general [[health]]


==Copyleft Sources==
==Resources==
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/melanoma.html
[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/melanoma.html Medlineplus]


http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_1X_What_is_melanoma_skin_cancer_50.asp?sitearea=CRI
[http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_1X_What_is_melanoma_skin_cancer_50.asp?sitearea=CRI Cancer.org]
===Patient information===
* [http://www.cancer.gov/pdf/WYNTK/WYNTK_moles.pdf What You Need To Know About Moles and Dysplastic Nevi] - patient information booklet from cancer.gov (PDF)
* [http://www.mpip.org/ MPIP: Melanoma patients information page]
* [http://www.MelanomaSupport.org.au/ Melanoma Support Organisation (Victoria, Australia)] - Ran by Melanoma Sufferers with strong links to Cancer Institutes in Victoria, Australia
* [http://www.melanomapatients.org/ Melanoma Patients Australia]
* [http://www.tustison.com/interests1.shtml/ Mikes Page - The Melanoma Resource Center]
* [http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?SUBED1=mel-l&A=1/ MEL-L - Melanoma e-mail list for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals] - Supporting the Melanoma Patient since 1996


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[[Category:Patient Information]]
 
[[Category:Patient information]]
[[Category:Oncology patient information]]
[[Category:Dermatology patient information]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Up-To-Date]]
[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Surgery]]

Latest revision as of 23:21, 1 January 2019

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Melanoma

Overview

What are the symptoms?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

Diseases with similar symptoms

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Melanoma?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Melanoma On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Melanoma

Videos on Melanoma

FDA on Melanoma

CDC on Melanoma

Melanoma in the news

Blogs on Melanoma

Directions to Hospitals Treating Melanoma

Risk calculators and risk factors for Melanoma

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.

  • 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.

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.

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-up is also important.

  • Sun protection practices: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreem, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, stay in the shade, wear sunglasses.
  • Avoid other sources of UV light: Avoidance of tanning beds and sun lamps.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

The prognosis of melanoma depends on the following:

  • The location and size of the tumor

Resources

Medlineplus

Cancer.org

Patient information

Template:WH Template:WS