Transcript Melanoma - Needs Beyond Medicine

Melanoma
Skin Cancer

Most common type of cancer in the
United States

The Skin is one of the most important
parts of your body
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
Skin Cancer Statistics

73,870 new cases each year
 9,940 people die every year due to
melanomas.
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
Melanomas
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
Different types of Skin Cancer

Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Information provided by the National Cancer
Institute
of the skin
Normal Cells vs. Cancer Cells

Normal cells: Grow  Divide  Die off (as the body needs
them)

Cancer cells: Cells form where the body doesn’t need them
Damaged cells do not die when they need to  Buildup
of cells is called a tumor

Benign vs. Malignant
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Benign vs. Malignant

Benign growths:


Moles
Malignant growths :

melanoma

basal cell cancer

squamous cell cancer
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
Melanoma

Can occur on any skin surface

Men: skin on the head neck, between the
shoulders and hips

Women: skin on the lower legs or between the
shoulders and the hips
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Melanoma is more likely
than other skin cancers
to spread to other parts
of the body
Risk Factors for Melanomas
Sunlight
Severe, blistering
Sunburns
Lifetime sun exposure
Tanning
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Risk Factors for Melanomas
Sunlamps and Tanning Booths
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Risk Factors for Melanomas
Personal & Family History

Personal and Family History
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Risk Factors for Melanomas
Skin that burns easily & certain medical conditions or
medicines
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
Risk Factors for Melanomas
Dysplastic
Nevus
&
More than 50
common moles
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
Symptoms of Melanoma
 Remember your ABC’s
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Diagnosis and Staging of
Melanomas
Stage 0: The melanoma involves only

Biopsy

Shave biopsy

Punch biopsy

Incisional biopsy

Excisional biopsy
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the top layer of skin.
Stage I: The tumor is no more than 1
millimeter thick
Stage II: The tumor is between 1 and
2 millimeters thick
Stage III: The melanoma cells have
spread to at least one nearby lymph
node.
Stage IV: Cancer cells have spread to
the lung or other organs, skin areas,
or lymph nodes far away from the
original growth
Treatment

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Photodynamic Therapy

Biological Therapy

Radiation Therapy
Want a second opinion? Contact
1-800-422-6237
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
Prevention

Avoid outdoor activities during the middle of the day

Protect yourself from the sun’s rays reflected by sand, water,
snow, ice and pavement

Wear long sleeves and long pants

Wear a hat with a wide brim

Wear sunglasses that absorb UV radiation

Sunscreen lotions with a protection factor of at least 15
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
Prevention

Check yourself, and if you find…
 A new flesh-colored firm bump
 A change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a
mole
 A sore that doesn’t
look healthy
…make an appointment to meet
with your dermatologist
Information provided by the National Cancer Institute
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Questions?
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