Melanoma
The most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma affects the cells that give our skin its color. Although it can spread easily, it is curable when treated early.
This cancer forms when the cells that make melanin grow abnormally or do not die when they should. These cells, called melanocytes, are found in our skin’s outer layer.
Melanoma typically begins in a mole or birthmark but can form in other tissues with pigmentation, such as your eye. When melanoma develops in the eye, it is called Intraocular Melanoma.
Protect yourself by avoiding overexposure from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Stay vigilant of any changes in your skin, especially if you have the skin disease Xeroderma pigmentosum, which makes you sensitive to light. You are also more likely to develop melanoma if someone in your family has been previously diagnosed with this specific type of cancer.
Recently Answered
- Q Are there alternative treatments for stage 1 melanoma?
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Although alternative treatments do not cure stage 1 melanoma, there are several alternative options that may help you improve your overall health. Some people recommend following a strict diet with vitamin supplements, including beta carotene, vitamin C,... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for stage 3 melanoma?
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Alternative treatments can't cure stage 3 melanoma, but there are some alternative options that may help improve your overall health when used in conjunction with regular medical treatment. Some people recommend following a strict diet with vitamin... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for stage 2 melanoma?
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Although alternative treatments do not cure stage 2 melanoma, there are some alternative options that may help improve your overall health when used in conjunction with regular medical treatment. Some people recommend following a strict diet with vitamin... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for stage 4 melanoma?
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Alternative treatments can't cure stage 4 melanoma, but there are some alternative options that may help reduce your symptoms. Some people recommend following a strict diet with vitamin supplements, including beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E.... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for stage 0 melanoma?
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Although alternative treatments do not cure stage 0 melanoma, there are several alternative options that may help you manage symptoms and improve your overall health. Some people recommend following a strict diet with vitamin supplements, including beta... Full Answer
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- Q How is acral lentiginous melanoma diagnosed?
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The first step of diagnosing acral lentiginous melanoma usually involves a visual inspection. Acral lentiginous melanoma is often diagnosed later than other types of melanoma because it takes longer for a person to notice the symptoms. This is due to the... Full Answer
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- Q How can I reduce my risk for my melanoma coming back?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIn a head-to-toe journey in cancer prevention, Dr. Oz and Liz Tanzi discuss how to stay melanoma-free, providing tips on sun exposure in this video. Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for polypoid melanoma?
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Several factors, both genetic and environmental, may increase your risk for polypoid melanoma. Polypoid melanoma affects males more commonly than females, so your risk may be increased if you're a male. If a family member has had melanoma, you are at a... Full Answer
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- Q Does sun exposure increase my risk for acral lentiginous melanoma?
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Unlike other types of melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma does not seem to be related to sun exposure. It often develops on areas of skin that aren't exposed to the sun, such as palms, soles, nail beds, and mucous membranes. Acral lentiginous melanoma... Full Answer
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- Q Does sun exposure increase my risk for amelanotic melanoma?
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Depending on the type of melanoma, sun exposure may play a role in the development of amelanotic melanoma. Amelanotic melanoma begins in the same types of cells that produce the pigment that causes skin to tan when exposed to sun, but these cells are... Full Answer
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