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Melanoma
Melanoma originate from melanocytes, pigment cells
present normally in the skin.The tumor can affect adults
of all ages, even young individuals (starting in the
mid-teens). The incidence has increased dramatically -a
300 percent increase in the past 40 years or so. The
individuals most susceptible to development of melanoma
are those with fair complexions, red or blond hair, blue
eyes, and freckles and who tan poorly and sunburn easily.
Increased risk include a family history of Melanoma.
Dark-skinned populations (such as those of India and
Puerto Rico), blacks, and East Asians have rates 10 to 20
times lower than lighter-skinned whites.
| Skin cancer is the most common of all
cancers. Melanoma, the most serious form, accounts for 4
percent of skin cancer cases but causes 79 percent of
skin-cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.
The organization predicts that 47,700 new cases of melanoma
will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Close
to 8,000 people will die from it. |
Melanoma, is the least
common (only about 4 percent) of skin cancer diagnoses,
but is potentially the most lethal. Melanoma is formed
from the pigment cells of the skin. Typically they start
as a mole. Sometimes a mole of many years changes in
size, shape, color or elevation, or starts to bleed.
How to suspect a Mole ...
You should be able to draw a line
through the middle of a mole or lesion and have
it look the same on both halves.
You should have a nice, clean
regular border around your mole.
Change in color is a major
indicator of a potential problem.
More than about six millimeters
in diameter can be suspicious.
Early detection of melanoma may be facilitated by
applying the "ABCD rules": A - asymmetry,
benign lesions are usually symmetric; B - border
irregularity, most nevi have clear-cut borders; C - color
variegation, benign lesions usually have uniform light or
dark pigment; D - diameter > 6 mm (the size of a
pencil eraser).
Sun
Burns
Melanoma Photos
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