Melanoma

Melanoma, one type of skin cancer, is a cancerous growth which develops mostly in skin that is exposed to the sun. These cancerous cells rapidly develop in the bottom layer of our outer skin, in melanin producing cells called 'Melanocyte' that are responsible for the color of our skin.

The main cause of this kind of cancer are UV rays as Melanoma first develops in areas on the body which are exposed to them. However, areas which aren't exposed that much can also develop the cancer (hands, under the fingernails, between the toes etc.). It should also be noticed that people from all races are susceptible to this disease.

Skin Cancer Melanoma Video

Skin Cancer & Melanoma Symptoms

Melanoma can develop in a healthy skin tissue or in existing moles. In men, melanoma will usually appear on the nose, head or nape. Women's melanoma will usually appear on the arms or legs.

Melanoma symptoms can include:

Big brown spot with even darker spots on it, anywhere on your body.
A mole anywhere on your body that suddenly changes its shape, color or size or it can start bleeding.
A wound on your nose that doesn't have a defined shape with red, white or black and blue dots on it.
Lumps on your skin that are shiny and hard anywhere on your body.
Dark wounds on your hands, feet, fingers, toes or mucosa in your mouth, nose, vagina or rectum.

Melanoma Treatments

Melanoma treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, its size, its location on the body and its depth in the skin. The first step will include the surgical removal of the cancerous growth from the skin. The extent of the tissue removal depends on the stage of the melanoma.

Further treatments post-surgery also depends on the stage of melanoma. The stronger the cancer, the stronger the treatment as it may include chemotherapy treatments, radiation treatments, biological therapy (medication that uses the body's immune system to fight the disease) and additional surgery to remove the cancerous cells that spread to the body.

Melanoma Treatments Abroad

Once a patient is diagnosed with melanoma, they will want to schedule surgery followed by the necessary treatments in order to remove the tumor as fast as possible. TicketMed representatives are standing by to assist you in scheduling your cancer therapy at the best medical centers available. Contact us or ask for a quote.

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Melanoma FAQ

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Are tanning beds safer than the sun?

Contrary to common belief, also tanning beds are dangerous for the skin as they too expose you to the dangerous UV rays. Recent studies show a positive correlation between using tanning beds and the increased risk of getting melanoma.

Can I be cured from Melanoma?

Early detection is extremely important and increases the odds of treatment. Most cases of early detection lead to successful treatments for the disease. People should be aware of their body, always alert for moles or symptoms of the disease and immediately go for a checkup if any suspicion arises.

Can Melanoma develop anywhere on my body?

In most cases, melanoma will develop in places which are normally exposed to the sun, such as your arms and legs or your head. However, there are cases where melanoma develops on parts that are hardly out in the open, for instance between your toes or under your fingernails.

How is Melanoma diagnosed?

Dermatologists have come up with a method known as the ABCDE's of melanoma to help us evaluate our mole:
A -- Asymmetry
B -- Border
C -- Color
D -- Diameter
E -- Evolution
All moles slowly change with time, however if it happens fast or becomes irritated then something is wrong and you should approach a skin doctor.

What causes Melanoma?

Excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation is known to be the number one cause of Melanoma. Dermatologists recommend avoiding the sun at its peak hours and always apply sun screen when you expect to be exposed to the sun. It is believed that minimizing exposure to the UV rays can prevent melanoma.

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