Question 1

what is melanoma skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

An aggressive cancer: Melanoma skin cancer  arises from the pigment cells in the skin.  The larges risk factor is sun exposure. It is scary because even a small primary tumor sometimes metastasizes and becomes deadly.  Read about the abcd's of melanoma detection at www.Melanomafoundation.Org.

Question 2

how common is melanoma skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

21 per 100k people: 21 per 100000 men and women per year. It is estimated 76, 690 new cases and 9480 deaths in 2013  due to melanoma.

Question 3

is melanoma cancer curable/reversible?

Accepted Answer

Very curable: In its early stages. Once it has spread from the primary site to other organs, the prognosis is much worse. Early treatment is key to a good outcome.

Question 4

what exactly is non-melanoma skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Other skin cancer: that means the 2 more common skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Question 5

doctors, what are the causes of melanoma cancers?

Accepted Answer

Sun exposure: Melanoma is mainly  caused by sun exposure (this includes tanning beds). People with fair skin are more prone to developing it. There are also some rare genetic disorders that can also predispose you to getting melanoma. The best way to prevent it is to avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunblock lotion.

Question 6

is there a melanoma cancer walk or a melanoma society?

Accepted Answer

Yes: www.melanoma.org ; www.Melanomafoundation.Org ; www.Societymelanoma.Org ; american cancer society-www.Cancer.Org.

Question 7

what are the signs when you get a skin cancer/melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Information: Squamous cell and basal cell skin cancer usualy begins looking not unlike a common mole. There usually is a small raised spot generally with slight pink color sometime with small ulcer in the center, sometimes with scaling and itching.  Melanoma can look like a regular pigmented mole. Growth can be slow, then become rapid.  They usually become variably black with irregular borders.

Question 8

how can someone know if they have melanoma skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Exam and biopsy.: The appearance of, or a change in character of a suspicious looking mole or skin lesion is often the first presenting sign. After physical examination, a biopsy must be performed to make the actual diagnosis of melanoma. Excision of the skin lesion and microscopic examination of the cells by a pathologist is required. If you have a concering looking lesion, get it checked and documented.

Question 9

which oral medication is available for melanoma skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Vemurafenib: This was approved in 2011 by the fda and the value of this interacting your particular situation would be discussed with your oncologist.

Question 10

help docs! i'm trying to find out what causes the melanoma cancer?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: Many factors appear to impact melanoma, including genetic (family) factors, sun radiation exposure and damage, etc. Normal cell division is impacted, causing replication of pigment producing cells rapidly and abnormally. Important to seek medical attn. For sites changing color, shape, size or irritability (itching, stinging, etc) often are symptoms.

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Doctor answers about:

Pre cancer melanoma

A member asked:

What is melanoma skin cancer?

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How common is melanoma skin cancer?

A member asked:

Is melanoma cancer curable/reversible?

A member asked:

What exactly is non-melanoma skin cancer?

A member asked:

Doctors, what are the causes of melanoma cancers?

A member asked:

Is there a melanoma cancer walk or a melanoma society?

A member asked:

What are the signs when you get a skin cancer/melanoma?

A member asked:

How can someone know if they have melanoma skin cancer?

A member asked:

Which oral medication is available for melanoma skin cancer?

A member asked:

Help docs! i'm trying to find out what causes the melanoma cancer?

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