Understanding Skin Cancer

One of the saddest realities that we, humans, face is the risk of illness. It gets even sadder when the illness we face is terminal or leading to death. There are various diseases that may be considered terminal, but among those that are very common today is skin cancer. In fact, among the different types of cancer, this one is said to be the most common. Although there are three forms of this disease - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma - the fact that it is terminal should be enough to alarm us. As we know, there is still no definitive cure for the disease, that's why the best defense we have against it is prevention.

Fortunately, there are some things we can do to prevent skin cancer. One is by simply avoiding the sun when possible. If we must go under the sun, we should never forget to apply sunscreen on all exposed body parts. Some people apply sunscreen everywhere on their body except their face. Of course, the face should have all that sunscreen because it's probably the most exposed among all skin surfaces in one's body. Overexposure to the sun's rays is known to cause melanoma, but overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause basal cell carcinoma.

It is important for parents to know that their children could be the most at risk because of their young age. These kids tend to have very thin skin compared to that of adults and because of this, the sun's rays can more easily penetrate through their bodies. Skin cancer is known to start in childhood, so it is important that parents always get their kids in the habit of using sunscreens.

Another thing we can do is boost our immune system by consuming foods that are known to have this effect. For example, citrus fruits are great for this purpose because of their high ascorbic acid or Vitamin C content. When we have a weak immune system, we have a greater chance of developing cancer. That's why we need to strengthen our immunity to decrease the odds of getting the disease.

Sometimes, however, cancer may just be in our genes, but it doesn't mean we should just accept this without a fight. Even if a lot of our relatives were affected by this disease, we should, instead, make it a motivation for us to work harder at reducing our own risks by living a healthy lifestyle. This means making the right food choices and regularly exercising. For people who are genetically predisposed to cancer, eating foods high in antioxidants is a must. Antioxidants are substances that prevent cellular mutation which characterizes all types of cancers.

Adjuvant Treatment for Melanomas

In medical terms, a mole is referred to as a melanocytic nevus. Moles appear on the skin as flat or raised dark spots, which can vary dramatically in size and shape, occurring virtually anywhere on the body. A mole is formed when melanin, which is a brown pigment produced by skin cells, develops in high concentrations on the skin.

As a result, most nevi are brown or black in color. They are so common that they have a wide range of classifications. Skin moles are so common that just about every person will develop one or more sometime in his/her life. Despite this fact, skin moles are among the most difficult skin conditions for modern medicine to properly treat.

Fortunately, the vast majority of moles are benign and pose no health threat, though they can be unsightly, which causes many people to seek their removal. However, in some instances, a mole can develop into a cancerous melanoma. If a mole is suspected to be a melanoma, it is important to have a test done to confirm this.

High risk melanomas may require adjuvant treatment. In the United States most patients in otherwise good health will begin up to a year of high-dose interferon treatment, which has severe side effects but may improve the patient's prognosis. This claim is not supported by all research at this time, and in Europe interferon is usually not used outside the scope of clinical trials.

Metastatic melanomas can be detected by X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET and PET/CTs, ultrasound, LDH testing and photoacoustic detection. Various chemotherapy agents are used, including dacarbazine, immunotherapy, and local perfusion. They can occasionally show dramatic success, but the overall success in metastatic melanoma is quite limited.

IL-2 is the first new therapy approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in 20 years. Studies have demonstrated that IL-2 offers the possibility of a complete and long-lasting remission in this disease, although only in a small percentage of patients. A number of new agents and novel approaches are under evaluation and show promise. Clinical trial participation should be considered the standard of care for metastatic melanoma.

In 2005, a phase III clinical trial for a melanoma vaccine was halted after showing little benefit compared to placebo. In 2008, Israeli scientists from the Oncology Institute of the Hadassa Medical Center in Jerusalem announced they developed a vaccine that prevents recurrences of the disease among previous sufferers and increases chances of survival for current ones.

As for other traditional treatments, laser and electrocautery treatments are not always effective because they only reach the outermost layers of the skin, while moles penetrate very deep into the dermal tissue, often beyond the reach of these treatments. Surgery involves cutting out the mole. The resulting wound requires stitches, which will in turn leave a scar.

How to Spot Skin Cancer - 3 Easy Ways

Skin cancer is the most common type of human cancer, with an estimated 1 million new cases diagnosed yearly. There are three types:

• Basal cell carcinoma- Over 90% of all skin cancer cases in the U.S. BCC almost never metastasizes.
• Squamos cell carcinoma- About ¼ as common as BCC, more common in men than women. SCC can form in any squamos cells (skin, lining of hollow organs, passages of respiratory and digestive systems), and may metastasize.

These two are commonly called "non-melanoma". They are less dangerous, but should still be treated as soon as detected.

• Melanoma- This is the most deadly form of skin neoplasia (cancer). It does metastasize, sometimes quickly. It develops in melanocytes (pigment cells). Melanoma kills about 50,000 people per year in the United States.

Early detection is crucial. This type of cancer generally has an advantage over some other cancers, in that the early signs are usually visible on your skin. Here is a simple guide for how to spot skin cancer:

1. Asymmetry & Border irregularity- benign moles and blemishes are symmetrical (same across the surface) and have regular, smooth borders. Whereas, skin neoplasia will have a different appearance in half of the blemish. It will also have notched or uneven edges.
2. Color- A benign mole or blemish may range in color from pink to dark brown, but it is a solid color. Cancerous blemishes will have several colors and irregular patterns, or they will appear a different color than any other moles on your body.
3. Diameter- Benign moles are frequently less than ¼ inch, or about the size of a pencil eraser. If the blemish is larger than that, it is very likely some form of skin cancer.

You need to regularly examine your skin all over your body, but especially areas that may be exposed to sun. Most non-melanoma cancers are the result of intermittent sun exposure, rather than consistent. Also, tanning booth use commonly results in BCC, and sometimes melanoma.

Although BCC and SCC are generally non-fatal, if they metastasize, they become unmanageable and can damage other body parts to the point of failure. Do not underestimate the dangers of this type of cancer.

• Skin tears and ruptures due to untreated skin cancers can become dangerously infected.
• When cancer metastasizes, it spreads to other systems of the body. Melanoma can quickly spread to the lymph nodes.
• SCC can cause rupture of linings of internal organs.
• The immune system is weakened.
• Tumors may block circulation, causing necrosis.

Approximately ½ of all Americans who reach age 65 develop some form of skin cancer at least once. Regular self-examination and reporting any irregularities to your doctor immediately can mean the difference between early detection with simple treatment, and possible metastasized tumors that require more involved treatment. You are the first step. Know how to spot skin cancer. Detection is the first step in curing. Take the risks seriously, and take steps to protect yourself from the dangers of skin cancer.

Cancema Skin Cancer

Cancema, the black salve. Sounding like something out of a nightmare or a horror book, cancema is rather considered by many to be a tremendous combatant against skin cancer. It is interesting to note that it is used not only to combat skin cancer in people but in their pets as well.

Cancema is completely natural. Also known as bloodroot, cancema is a medication that history points to as having been used by Native Americans to fight skin cancer It is primarily known to have been used for this purpose by the Abanaki tribes on the upper east coast, the Ojibwe tribes, living near Lake Superior and the Cherokee tribes, living further to the south. For this reason, cancema is also known as Indian mud

By whatever name it is known, it is believed by many to be one of the best healers of skin cancer

.

Many people who have used Cancema, are at first horrified by the way it seems to work. The moles or whatever form of skin cancer upon which it is put react in what is by site a horrific way. The areas turn into pussing, oozing sores, then they heal up, leaving deep cavities in their place. As terrible as these seem, the, the deep cavities heal and the skin smooths over, As the skin cancer seems to be healed, those people who were at first repulsed and offended by the appearance of the healing area, become amongst the biggest supporters of Cancema.

Upon applying the Cancema to the cancerous areas, it is important to cover the area with some sort of bandaging. A soft, cotton wrap is often recommended. White is the best, to avoid any dye getting into the open wounds. Some people take a white sock and cut the foot part off and pull the sock up over the bandaging, taping the sock right to the bandaging. It is important to remember not to put tape upon the skin itself.

Cancema in the form in which it can be purchased, is made from the bloodroot and from ginger combined, both in their natural states.

More and more in today's world, people are leaving what we know as traditional medicines in favor of their natural counterparts. Are they making wise decisions? Only time will tell and then we will always wonder, "Well would it have healed anyway?"

Cancema is viewed by many to be one of the best combatants in the world against different forms of skin cancer. If you consider using it, investigate wisely. Talk to your doctor, talk to those who have used it in the past. Get their impressions and then make your decision. Is the black salve a nightmare or a dream come true in the matter of successfully fighting skin cancer.

How to Treat Eczema and Melanoma

Eczema is considered as a common term for many forms of dermatitis or skin inflammation. Melanoma, on the other hand, is more commonly known as skin cancer. The utmost goal of these managements is to achieve the optimum health or to prolong the life of the patient. Here we will learn the treatments available for these two diseases.

Atopic dermatitis is the most usual type of eczema. Nevertheless, there are various types of eczema. This disease can occur to anyone, although the disease usually occurs in newborns and children below five years old. Eczema will be permanently relieved by age three in around half of the affected newborns. Patients with eczema frequently have a family history of the disease or a family record of other sensitive responses to allergens, such as hay fever or asthma.

The objectives for the managements of eczema are directed to the prevention of inflammation, itching, and aggravation of the disease. Managements of eczema may include the use of drugs and the modification of the patient’s lifestyle. Treatments always depend on the age of the individual, type and severity of the disease, and general health condition. Applying ointments or creams on the skin of the patient will keep it well hydrated. Another important intervention for eczema is avoiding over-bathing. Applying emollient creams, for instance petroleum creams, is also suggested subsequent to a five-minute tepid bath sequentially to shut in the moisture while the skin is still damp. Lifestyle changes are as well suggested to avoid the aggravation of the disease.

Topical corticosteroids are occasionally prescribed to reduce the inflammatory response beneath the skin. These drugs can have a potency of mild, moderate, or high base on the severity of the manifestations. If itchiness is very severe, antihistamines are given to patients with eczema. There are two topical or cream medications are recommended by the Food and Drug Association of United States for the management of eczema, primecrolimus and tacrolimus. These medications fit in to a class of immunosuppressant drugs called calcineurin inhibitors and are prescribed in eczema patients over two years of age.

The most life threatening and the most dangerous form of skin cancers is malignant melanoma. The patient must seek the expertise of a specialist and confer immediate interventions and treatment choices with him. The type of treatment will depend on the situation of the patient. Various factors such as tumor thickness, stage, and size can be utilized as the basis of the physician when choosing a treatment modality.

The first preference of treatment may be the surgical extraction of the tumor. This procedure will entail a local anesthesia. Typically, a precautionary margin of one centimeter (vertically and horizontally) will be extracted. This procedure is performed to assure that damaged tissues are not overlooked. A surgery is done to remove the entire lymph node when the tumor has reached the lymphatic system. This is done to reduce the chance of the melanoma to spread to other organs or areas of the body.

Radiotherapy is also a good treatment option. This procedure utilizes X-rays to destroy diseased cells. Typically the affected portion must be exposed to radiation several times to achieve an effective dose, depending on the tumor stage and size. Chemotherapy is used in collaboration with surgery. This procedure utilizes chemicals, which have a particular toxic effect with cancer cells.

Occurrence Factor of Skin Cancer

Facts about skin cancer are very important to understand as the disease is one of the deadliest ones worldwide and is also responsible for maximum number of cancer cases. Facts highlight some of the important causes, symptoms and statistics of the disease and also focus on the important forms of treatments available to cure the same.

Vital Facts about Skin Cancer

Exposure to Ultra-Violet (UV) rays in excess may lead to severe type of cancer and is also responsible for more than 90% cases of the non-melanoma types of the disease. Severity of the disease is so high that almost one person dies every day of the disease and the treatment becomes complicated if a person reaches advanced stages of the disease.

This is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer and accounts for more than 50% of the overall cancer cases. It occurs in almost equal numbers in both men and women and may develop at any age. Though the number of cases detected in areas of Asia, Africa and Latin America are low as compared to developed regions like North America and Europe, the numbers of deaths related to the disease are high in the prior regions. Caucasian race is more vulnerable to the disease as compared to other races. Chances of sunburns developing into a cancerous infection are quite high and especially small children are at a very high risk if they do not undergo apt treatment for sunburns in the childhood age.

This cancer, also known as skin neoplasia, is of two different types as melanoma and non-melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are two different types of non-melanoma cancer. Melanoma type of skin cancer occurs in rare cases but is a severe kind of disorder and is more fatal as compared to non-melanoma types. Also, melanoma skin cancer spreads at a higher pace in comparison to non-melanoma types and is highly damaging to skin cells and tissues.

Facts about skin cancer also prove that it is quite common in people who have medical history of the disease. A person who is treated for this cancer in the past is quite susceptible to its redevelopment in future. One should avoid smoking and consuming tobacco or other carcinogenic substances as it may damage the person's body internally and deteriorate his immune system.

Other facts about skin cancer also point out that melanoma type of skin cancer is responsible for almost 75% of the overall deaths due to skin cancer. Also, the survival rate and life expectancy is much lower for melanoma type as compared to non-melanoma form of cancer. Change in the color of the skin, skin ulcers, injuries or infections in the skin that do not heal by normal medication and presence of excess moles are some of the important symptoms of the disease.

Facts about skin cancer can be understood well if the causes are correlated aptly with the symptoms. Diagnosis forms an important part of the disease and has to be effective enough to understand the actual location and root cause of the disorder. One needs to be careful while undergoing cancer treatments as they are quite severe and may put a bad impact on the victim's body if taken in inappropriate quantities.

Stages of Melanoma

There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body. (1) Through tissue. Cancer invades the surrounding normal tissue. (2) Through the lymph system. Cancer invades the lymph system and travels through the lymph vessels to other places in the body. (3) Through the blood. Cancer invades the veins and capillaries and travels through the blood to other places in the body.

When cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the lymph or blood to other places in the body, another tumor may form. This process is called metastasis. The secondary tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the bones, the cancer cells in the bones are actually breast cancer cells. The disease is metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer.

The Clark levels are used for thin tumors to describe how deep the cancer has spread into the skin. In Clark Level I, the cancer is in the epidermis only. In Clark Level II, the cancer has begun to spread into the papillary dermis. In Clark Level III, the cancer has spread through the papillary dermis into the papillary-reticular dermal interface but not into the reticular dermis. In Clark Level IV, the cancer has spread into the reticular dermis. In Clark Level V, the cancer has spread into the subcutaneous tissue.

The following stages are used for melanoma. In stage 0, abnormal melanocytes are found in the epidermis (Clark level I). These abnormal melanocytes may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue. Stage 0 is also called melanoma in situ. In stage I, cancer has formed. Stage I is divided into stages IA and IB.

In stage IA, the tumor is not more than 1 millimeter thick, with no ulceration. The tumor is in the epidermis and the papillary dermis (Clark level II or III). In stage IB, the tumor is either: not more than 1 millimeter thick and it has ulceration or it has spread through the dermis or into the subcutaneous layer (Clark level IV or V) ; or more than 1 but not more than 2 millimeters thick, with no ulceration.

Stage II is divided into stages IIA, IIB, and IIC. In stage IIA, the tumor is either: more than 1 but not more than 2 millimeters thick, with ulceration; or more than 2 but not more than 4 millimeters thick, with no ulceration. In stage IIB, the tumor is either: more than 2 but not more than 4 millimeters thick, with ulceration; or more than 4 millimeters thick, with no ulceration. In stage IIC, the tumor is more than 4 millimeters thick, with ulceration.

In stage III, the tumor may be any thickness, with or without ulceration, and either: has spread into a nearby lymph vessel and may have spread into nearby lymph nodes; or has spread to 1 or more lymph nodes, which may be matted (not moveable). In stage IV, the cancer has spread to other places in the body.

Most of the treatments require multiple visits to the doctor. Laser and electrocautery treatments are not always effective because they only reach the outermost layers of the skin, while moles penetrate very deep into the dermal tissue, often beyond the reach of these treatments. Surgery, the other option doctors commonly offer, involves cutting out the mole. The resulting wound requires stitches, which will in turn leave a scar.

Prevention of Melanomas

Skin moles are so common that just about every person will develop one or more sometime in his/her life. Despite this fact, skin moles are among the most difficult skin conditions for modern medicine to properly treat. Most nevi are brown or black in color. They are so common that they have a wide range of classifications.

In medical terms, a mole is referred to as a melanocytic nevus. Moles appear on the skin as flat or raised dark spots, which can vary dramatically in size and shape, occurring virtually anywhere on the body. A mole is formed when melanin, which is a brown pigment produced by skin cells, develops in high concentrations on the skin.

Fortunately, the vast majority of moles are benign and pose no health threat, though they can be unsightly, which causes many people to seek their removal. However, in some instances, a mole can develop into a cancerous melanoma. If a mole is suspected to be a melanoma, it is important to have a test done to confirm this.

Minimizing exposure to sources of ultraviolet radiation, following sun protection measures and wearing sun protective clothing can offer protection. In the past it was recommended to use sunscreens with an SPF rating of 30 or higher on exposed areas as older sunscreens more effectively blocked UVA with higher SPF.

Currently, newer sunscreen ingredients (avobenzone, zinc, and titanium) effectively block both UVA and UVB even at lower SPFs. However, there are questions about the ability of sunscreen to prevent melanoma. This controversy is well discussed in numerous review articles, and is refuted by most dermatologists.

This correlation might be due to the confounding variable that individuals who used sunscreen to prevent burn might have a higher lifetime exposure to either UVA or UVB. Tanning, once believed to help prevent skin cancers, actually can lead to increase incidence of melanomas. Even though tanning beds emit mostly UVA, which causes tanning, it by itself might be enough to induce melanomas.

A good rule of thumb for decreasing ultraviolet light exposure is to avoid the sun between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or avoid the sun when your shadow is shorter than your height. These are rough rules, and can vary depending on locality and individual skin cancer risk. When looking for danger signs in pigmented lesions of the skin a few simple rules are often used.

Almost all malignant melanomas start with altering the color and appearance of normal-looking skin. This area may be a dark spot or an abnormal new mole. Other melanomas form from a mole or freckle that is already present in the skin. It is very hard to distinguish the difference between a malignant melanoma and a normal mole.

Confirmation of the clinical diagnosis is either done with an excisional skin biopsy or a small full thickness sampling with a punch skin biopsy. This is usually followed with a follow up wider excision of the scar or tumor. Depending on the stage a sentinel lymph node biopsy is done as well, although controversy exists around trial evidence for this procedure.

Laser and electrocautery treatments are not always effective because they only reach the outermost layers of the skin, while moles penetrate very deep into the dermal tissue, often beyond the reach of these treatments. Surgery, the other option doctors commonly offer, involves cutting out the mole. The resulting wound requires stitches, which will in turn leave a scar.

Learn How To SPOT Skin Cancer

Preventing skin cancer is an ongoing health battle for every dermatologist. Tarzana and other areas of Los Angeles offer no shortage of patients with this preventable disease. With so much sunshine, it's tempting to get in the habit of forgoing sunscreen and simply basking in all that UV radiation with no protection. The beach body culture of California also encourages indoor tanning - a leading risk factor for deadly melanoma. Patient education is the most important tool dermatologists have at their disposal for combating cancer. What resources can doctors share with patients to increase awareness about sun safety and offer training in early disease detection?

SPOT Website Puts Spotlight on Skin Lesions

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has devoted an area of its website to educating patients about how to "SPOT Skin Cancer". This resource was developed in response to a survey which revealed that many Americans don't know how to identify skin tumors and have little awareness of their risk for getting skin cancer. On the SPOT web pages, patients can:

· Find instructions for performing a skin self-exam

· Download a body mole map (for tracking the size, shape, location, and other characteristics of suspicious moles)

· Locate a dermatologist

·

Skin Cancer Facts to Know

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. More than 12 million people are diagnosed with this disease each year. About 20% of the US population will probably have one or more cancerous skin lesions in their lifetime.

Unlike other forms of cancer, suspicious skin lesions can be readily detected with a visual examination (the diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy). This means patients have the opportunity to spot skin cancer before it progresses too far.

When caught early, even the most dangerous skin tumors are almost always easy to treat with a simple surgical procedure. For example, patients who have a melanoma lesion removed before the cancer spreads below the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) have a 5-10 year survival rate of close to 100%.

Don Mehrabi MD, FAAD is a dermatologist certified by the American Board of Dermatology currently practicing in Beverly Hills, California. He is also the creator of the http://bhskin.com website where you can find an extensive resource library covering many common dermatologic problems and aesthetic issues. Visit http://www.bhskin.com/education/ to learn more about skin health and beauty.

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Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for both women and men. The number of confirmed cases has steadily increased over the past few decades. Knowing your risk factors, how to identify the early stages of this disease and how to protect yourself from skin cancer is essential for early detection and effective treatment.

There are two types of skin cancer: melanomas and keratinocyte cancers. Melanomas are less common yet more serious than other types of skin cancer. It is important that you locate and receive treatment for all types of this cancer to prevent the spread into surrounding tissues.

A major risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds. UV rays can penetrate the skin even when it is cloudy, cool or hazy outside. There are some things you can do to limit your sun exposure. Many physicians recommend daily use of sunscreen. You should seek shade when spending time outdoors and try to avoid activities outside when the sun's rays are strongest, usually between 10am and 4 pm. Hats, sunglasses and protective clothing protect your skin from UV exposure. Stay away from indoor tanning beds as they have been linked to melanoma and squamous cell skin cancers.

Individuals with fair skin that freckles and burns easily are at a higher risk for this type of cancer than those individuals with darker skin. This is because pigment or melanin in your skin provides protection from UV radiation. If you have light-colored eyes and blond or red hair, you may be at a higher risk as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, some other risk factors include:

• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Excessive sun exposure
• History of sunburns
• Moles
• Weakened immune system
• Increasing age

No matter what your risk factors, it is important that you examine your skin each month. Many skin cancers are highly treatable with early diagnosis. Look for any changes in moles or unusual areas on your skin. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a thorough skin exam each year. These check-ups are the best way to make sure that your skin remains healthy.

If you or the dermatologist finds a spot on your skin that causes concern, he may take a biopsy of the area. If the lab finds cancerous or pre-cancerous cells, more tests may be needed to determine the stage, type and extent of the cancer. Once the cancer is staged, the physician will determine which treatment options will be most effective. Most skin cancers are highly treatable if found early. Follow up exams and tests will be needed to ensure that the cancer does not reoccur.

While there is no way to avoid UV exposure completely, taking a few precautions can make a big difference in the overall health of your skin. Be vigilant about your skin checks and contact your physician with any concerns. With a little bit of prevention and routine checks, you may be able to lower your risk for developing any form of skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest and most deadly form of skin cancer. It affects the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin, the skin's pigment) and seems to be more prevalent among city-dwellers than among those who work outside. This seeming paradox is because scientific data indicates that episodic sun exposure resulting in burn is linked to melanoma, but constant exposure is not.

Melanoma does not necessarily occur in sun-exposed areas of the body which contributes to the belief that it is linked to brief, intense periods of sun exposure and a history of severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that metastasizes easily making it often fatal if not treated early enough. Bear in mind, however, that all statistics of melanoma come from tissue that has been examined after some form of excisional treatment or biopsy. Melanoma becomes more common with increasing age but it still appears in younger people.

A melanoma can develop in any area of the skin or from an existing mole. A typical melanoma appears as a small darkened area of skin similar in appearance to a mole. It is recognisable as being different to a mole in four different ways known as the ABCDE of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving.

Asymmetry: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical: a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.

Border: The edges of melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped, notched, or blurred edges. A mole has a smooth, well-defined edge.

Color: The pigmentation of a melanoma is often not uniform, with more than one shade of brown, tan, or black. Moles are usually a single shade of brown

Diameter: A melanoma is usually larger than a mole, continues to grow and is often at least the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm, or 1/4 inch, in diameter).

Evolving: Change in size, shape and color shade.

Types of Melanoma

Melanomas are described according to their appearance and behavior. Those that start off as flat patches (i.e. have a horizontal growth phase) include:

• Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM)
• Lentigo malignant melanoma (sun damaged skin of face, scalp and neck)
• Acral lentiginous melanoma (on soles of feet, palms of hands or under the nails - under the nails is called subungual melanoma)

Melanoma skin cancers tend to grow slowly, but at any time, they may begin to thicken or develop a nodule. When this happens they progress to a vertical growth phase.

Melanomas that grow quickly, involving deeper tissues, include:

• Nodular melanoma (presenting as a rapidly enlarging lump)
• Mucosal melanoma (arising on lips, eyelids, vulva, penis, anus)
• Desmoplastic melanoma (fibrous tumour with a tendency to grow down nerves) Melanoma may present in combinations e.g. nodular melanoma developing within a superficial spreading melanoma.

Treatment of Melanoma

Usual protocol for the treatment of melanoma is:

Biopsy to confirm.

Surgical removal with wide margins encompassing healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.

Surgical removal of lymph nodes if their involvement is suspected.

There are natural options. I have used them and seen them used on many people. The natural treatment of melanoma and other skin cancer is viable and effective. I have written a book outlining my experiences of using a herbal paste with bloodroot as one of the main ingredients. I do not sell a product, I merely present the information so that people have a source of information and can be self-informed enough to have the confidence to make their own decision.

From my own experiences and also from seeing the results on other people I can assure you that these herbs work and they work profoundly.

I hope the researched information as well as the personal experiences in my e-book may be of assistance to anyone searching for natural methods of treatment for skin cancer.