Question 1

what is a malignant melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer: In its most typical form, melanoma is a cancer that originates in cells of the skin called melanocytes. In some cases melanoma can spread to other organs from the skin. More rare types of melanoma start in the eyes, colon, mouth, bladder and other organs.

Question 2

what are the symptoms of malignant melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Many melanomas are without symptoms. Some are itchy, irritated, or may bleed. They have often changed shape, size or color, but these changes are usually asymptomatic. If the melanoma has spread, there are multiple other symptoms that could possibly occur.

Question 3

is malignant melanoma totally curable?

Accepted Answer

If it is caught...: ...Early enough, yes. A melanoma that is removed before it can spread stands an excellent chance of being cured completely. Once it has spread, either to lymph nodes or via blood vessels, there is little or no chance of a cure. So the key is to get it removed as quickly as possible, and get any further treatment that is indicated, depending on how thick the tumor is.

Question 4

how high is survival rate for malignant melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Varies: It depends on depth of melanoma at time of excision and whether any lymph nodes are involved. Early melanomas less than .75 millimeters have close to a 100 per cent survival. Dpeer melanomas greater than 1 mom, then greater 2 mm, and 3 mm. Have lower per cent age of 5 year cure rate. There are 2 new drugs for advanced melanomas. Early treatment is essential.

Question 5

could a person take plexxikon if they have malignant melanoma, stage 4?

Accepted Answer

Studies are underway: There are studies currently underway of this drug in certain cases of stage IV melanoma.  It is only available in a research studies,  in certain locations,  and only patients who meet strict entry criteria are eligible.  Patients and families can find these studies listed at www.clinicaltrials.gov

Question 6

i have read that desmoplastic neurotrophic malignant melanoma is a less dangerous type to have. is this true?

Accepted Answer

True: True but you still need re-evaluation and maybe further treatment.

Question 7

how can one get malignant melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Genetic and UV: Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes.  It does have a familial component - meaning there are genetic mutations that put you at higher risk for development of melanoma.  Uv exposure (especially with tanning beds) can put you at high risk as well.

Question 8

can malignant melanoma be found inside the body?

Accepted Answer

Metastatic: Metastatic melanoma can be found in other organ like brain, lung and liver. This means the melanoma has spread from the skin to other organ systems.

Question 9

what are the symptoms of malignant melanoma on your back?

Accepted Answer

May be no symptoms: While a classic finding is a black, bleeding mole, that isn't always the case. Melanomas can sometimes be pinkish (amelanotic melanoma), rather than brown or black. Best to have someone look over your back regularly, keeping the abcde's of melanoma in mind -- assymetry, irregular border, color (often more than one color in same lesion), diameter (>6mm), and evolving.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: malignant melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer: Malignant melanoma is a cancer that begins usually in the pigmented cells (melanocytes) of the skin. It is generally considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Most cases are localized and caught fairly early but some people will develop widespread metastatic disease and die.

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Lentigo malignant melanoma

A member asked:

What is a malignant melanoma?

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What are the symptoms of malignant melanoma?

A member asked:

Is malignant melanoma totally curable?

A member asked:

How high is survival rate for malignant melanoma?

A member asked:

Could a person take plexxikon if they have malignant melanoma, stage 4?

A member asked:

I have read that desmoplastic neurotrophic malignant melanoma is a less dangerous type to have. is this true?

A member asked:

How can one get malignant melanoma?

A member asked:

Can malignant melanoma be found inside the body?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of malignant melanoma on your back?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: malignant melanoma?

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