Melanoma

HealthWatch for August 2009
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Skin Cancer has many forms. Although not the most common, Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If recognized and treated early, it is nearly 100% curable. But if not, the cancer can advance and spread throughout the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that starts in melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin colors the skin, eyes and hair. Most melanomas are black or brown, however some are pink, red, blue, purple, white or skin-colored. It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or intestines.

Everyone is at some risk, but increased risk depends on several factors such as: sun exposure, number of moles on the skin, skin type and family history. In the United States, the percentage of people who develop melanoma has more than doubled in the past 30 years. The American Cancer Society estimated the number of new cases of invasive melanoma at 62,480; of these, 34,950 in men and 27,350 in women.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has written a booklet (NIH Publication No. 02-1563) to help people with melanoma and their families and friends better understand this disease. This booklet discusses risks and prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and followup care. It also has information about resources and sources of support to help patients cope with melanoma.

Information specialists at the NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER can answer questions about melanoma and can send NCI materials. They can also send up-to-date treatment information from NCI’s PDQ® database. In addition, many NCI publications and fact sheets are online.

Early detection is key.

National Cancer Institute: Melanoma
Skin Cancer Foundation: Melanoma
American Cancer Society: Information
American Academy of Dermatology

Information taken from the Cancer Institute, The Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society websites.