What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a form of cancer that may start in a mole or in other pigmented tissues, such as the intestines or eyes. It usually develops on unmarked skin, and it can grow anywhere on the body. New cases of this cancer are on the rise in the United States. More than 76,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2014, according to the American Cancer Society. An early diagnosis and proper treatment can definitely help increase survival rates. There are warning signs to watch out for melanoma, moles will change color, shape and size. If a birthmark starts changing over time, it will be in the best interest to make an appointment with a healthcare professional. There are two forms of melanoma, which are primary and metastatic. The primary has a growth pattern that grows throughout the layers of skin. If it is detected early the melanoma can be removed with surgical procedures. If it is not treated, if will spread through the entire body over a period of time. The metastatic melanoma spreads within the lymph system and into the bloodstream, there is no cure for this form of cancer. The physician will do a visible inspection of your skin and take a sample to send into the lab to get a diagnosis. The pathologist will be able to determine if it is cancer and how far that it has advanced within the body. The physician may take several photos to compare with follow-up appointments in the future.
The early warning signs of melanoma are:
- Sudden elevation of an existing mole, it will start to rise and thicken
- The surface may being to start bleeding, scaling or start crusting up out of nowhere
- The surrounding skin may start to swell up and show signs of redness
- Small new patches of color may start to appear around the lesion area
- Tingling, itching and persistent burning may start in the affected areas
If Melanoma is let go in the later stages you may notice pain in the mole, grey skin, swollen lymph nodes and seizures. There are many different types of treatment that a physician may have you go through to help relieve yourself from the side effects of the cancer procedures. Acupuncture is highly recommended to help cope with the pain that comes with cancer. Yoga is well-known to reduce stress within the body and to keep mobility in the joints. The physician may recommend a massage to cope with pain and reduce muscle tension.
