Melanoma Essay, Research Paper
What is melanoma? Melanoma is a skin disease in which cancer cells are found in the cells that color the skin. It occurs mainly in adults but it does occur in children and adolescents. More women get melanoma than men. It is sometimes called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma. Melanoma is a more serious type of cancer than the more common skins cancers. People most at risk from melanoma include those (1) with a high number of moles, (2) with read or fair hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and freckles, (3) who tan with difficulty and burn in the sun, and (4) with a history of the disease in two or more family members. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy can treat melanoma. What are the warning signs of melanoma? Melanoma has five different stages. It is divided into four basic categories: superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo maligna, acral lentiginous melanoma, and nodular melanoma.
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy are the four ways to treat melanoma. Surgery is the primary treatment for all stages of melanoma. A doctor can use one of the following operations to get rid of melanoma: (1) conservative re-excision, (2) wide surgical excision, and (3) to take skin from another part of the body and put it where the melanoma was. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancer cell. Chemotherapy is called systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travel through the body and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. When it shows up on your arms and legs, chemotherapy can be used with a technique called isolate arterial perfusion. In this method, chemotherapy drugs are put directly into the bloodstream of the arm of leg when the melanoma is found. Chemotherapy has been found out to not be effective. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body or from putting materials that produce radiation through plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found. Biological therapy gets your body to fight the cancer itself. It uses materials made by your own body or made in a laboratory to boost, direct, or store your body s natural defenses against disease. The biological treatment is sometimes called biological response modifier therapy or immunotherapy. This treatment had not been found effective in treating melanoma.
There aren t that many warning signs but there are some. The first warning sign is a skin growth that increases in size and looks pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, red, pink, or multicolored. The second warning sign is a mole changes in color or in texture, becomes irregular in shape, gets larger or is bigger that a pencil eraser. The third warning sign is a spot or growth that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode, or bleed. The fourth warning sign is an open sore that lasts for more than 4 weeks, or heals and then reopens. The fifth warning sign is a scaly or crusty bump that is horny, dry, and rough and may produce a pricking or tender sensation.
Doctors use staging to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. In the first stage of melanoma the cancer is found in the epidermis and the upper part of the dermis. It doesn t spread to nearby lymph nodes. The tumor is less than 1.5 mm thick. The second stage the tumor is 1.5 mm to 4 mm thick. It has spread to the lower part of the dermis. It hasn t spread into the tissue below the skin or into the lymph nodes. The third stage one of the four things can happen (1) the tumor has spread to the body tissue below the skin, (2) tumor becomes bigger than 4 mm thick, (3) additional tumor growths with an inch form the original, and (4) tumor spread to nearby lymph nodes or there additional tumor growths between the original and the lymph nodes area. In the fourth stage the tumor has spread to other organs or to the lymph nodes far away from the original. Some times the melanoma is recurrent. Recurrent means cancer has come back after it has been treated. It can come back in the original site or in another part of the body.
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type of melanoma. It accounts for about 70 percent of all cases. It travels along the top layer of the skin for a fairly long time before penetrating more deeply. When it first appears it is flat or slightly raised discolored patch that has irregular borders and is somewhat geometrical in form. This type of melanoma is found in the young. It can appear anywhere on the body. Lentigo maligna is similar to the superficial spreading type. It stays close to the skin for a long time. It appears as a flat or mildly elevated mottled tan, brown, or dark brown discoloration. Is found mostly in elderly people. Is the most common form of melanoma in Hawaii. Acral lentiginous melanoma is found mostly in dark-skinned people. Like lentigo maligna it spreads superficially before penetrating more deeply. It appears as a black or brown discoloration under the nails or on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. Occurs mostly in African Americans and Asians. Nodular melanoma appears invasive at the time it is first diagnosed. It is recognized when it becomes a bump. The color of it is mostly black but occasionally it is blue, gray, white, brown, tan, red or skin tone. Occurs mainly on elderly people. Its frequent locations are the trunk, legs, and arms. This is the most aggressive of all the other melanomas. Found in 10 to 15 percent of cases.
Work Cited
Jesitus, John. Melanoma Rates are On the Rise. Dermatory Times Sept. 2000: Vol. 21
Issue 9, pg.23 (Available Online: EBSCOHOST)
The National Cancer Institute of the National Institute of Health. What you Need to
Know About Cancer Series: Melanoma. 21 October 1998 (Online)
cancernet.nci.nih.gov/wyntk_pubs/melanoma.htm
Nidus Information Services, Inc. Well-Connected Report: Melanoma. June 1999
(Online) www.well-connected
Skin Cancer Foundation. The Many Faces of Malignant Melanoma. 1993 (Available
Online: EBSCOHOST)
Другие работы по теме:
Sun Poisoning Essay Research Paper Sun poisoningSun
Sun Poisoning Essay, Research Paper Sun poisoning Sun poisoning affects 10 percent of women and three percent of men in the general population. Sun poisoning is a reaction to overexposure to the sun in areas of the skin most exposed to sunlight. Sun poisoning is a pimply, itchy eruption, which comes despite dark complexion or sunscreen protection.
Romeo An Juliet Essay Research Paper hi
Romeo An Juliet Essay, Research Paper hi i need an essay about a character in romeo and juliet that demonsrtated maturity. in a well developed multi pagraph essay and say why you think the character’s maturity was greater than the other characters in the play.
Robert Bourassa Essay Research Paper October 20
Robert Bourassa Essay, Research Paper October 20, 1996 Robert Bourassa Robert Bourassa died at 5:45am on Wednesday, October9th on the eighth floor of the Midtown Montreal Hospital.Bourassa was 63,and succumbed to malignant melanoma cancer. He was a skilled politician and strategist to some, but to most was just a nuisance.
Oh Really Essay Research Paper Oh Reallyyou
Oh Really? Essay, Research Paper Oh Really, you think i am a lark, the dogs they run and bark, but when i say to them, shut up shut up shut up, you say to be nice to them,
Ozone Layer 2 Essay Research Paper Ozone
Ozone Layer 2 Essay, Research Paper Ozone Layer Thinning Caused By CFC s The ozone layer. What really is the ozone layer, and what does it do? Is it just a plastic covering over the earth? Why do we depend on the ozone layer so much for the earth s survival? Without the ozone layer there would not be life on this earth.
Cancer Essay Research Paper Cancer is a
Cancer Essay, Research Paper Cancer is a word used to describe a group of diseases. Each has its own name, its own treatment, and its own chances of being cured. Each is different from the others in many ways, but every cancer, whatever its called or whatever part of the body it is located in, is a disease of the body?s cells.
Our Radiant Planet Depletion Of The Ozone
Layer Essay, Research Paper Our Radiant Planet- Depletion of the Ozone LayerOzone is a relatively unstable form of molecular oxygen containing three oxygen atoms produced when upper-atmosphere oxygen molecules are split by ultra violet light. Stratospheric ozone is found in a broad band, extending generally from 15 to 35km above the earth.
Shane Essay Research Paper Sometimes I need
Shane Essay, Research Paper Sometimes, I need you more than I need air And sometimes I miss you more than I will forever, never forget the times that we have shaared. The are priceless
Poem Belong Essay Research Paper Where I
Poem: Belong Essay, Research Paper Where I belong I am weak, I am strong I will fit where I belong don’t know where it is for now but it will come, if I allow tomorrow, I start a brand new day
Ozone Layer 2 Essay Research Paper The
Ozone Layer 2 Essay, Research Paper The ozone layer shields the earth from most of the harmful radiation and light comming from the sun. The ozone reflects and absorbs the ultraviolet rays that try to
Skin Cancer Melanoma Essay Research Paper What
Skin Cancer: Melanoma Essay, Research Paper What causes melanoma?Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer, but we do know that certain risk factors are linked to the disease. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person’s age or family history, can’t be changed.
Eulogy On Bob Marley Essay Research Paper
Hello everyone I am here today to pay tribute to a great singer, political figure and person, Bob Marley. I would like to thank everyone here for giving me the opportunity to speak about such a wonderful person. In the words of Bob himself; Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you re riding through the ruts, don t complicate your mind.
Smoke Ban Essay Research Paper ContentionThe increasing
Smoke Ban Essay, Research Paper Contention: The increasing effect of smoking means that there is a need for a banning in some public places. Issues on smoking have arisen in the media once again, so much so that now the government is debating whether or not this drug should be banned in public places. Already it is banned at the MCG and in some other public venues including hospitals, restaurants and cafes.
Poem She Sat Essay Research Paper She
Poem: She Sat Essay, Research Paper She sat… helpless in her room praying to whatever god there may be to let her call to him. could god ignore such a painful cry?
Comment On An Experience In Your Life
That Had An Effect On Your Life. Essay, Research Paper I was a little worried writing about my mother because I thought it would seem like I was looking for sympathy, but I figured it was a good topic to write about because it had the largest effect on me. My goal became to write an essay that didn’t focus on the death or loss but on the change and growth that took place.
You Shouldn
’t Have To Say Good-bye Essay, Research Paper The Book is set in New York. It is a book about a young girl losing her mother to cancer. The theme is to never let a death in your life ruin the rest. I thought the book was really good. I showed a clear picture of how things can be when someone close to you is very sick, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
What Is Cancer Essay Research Paper What
What Is Cancer? Essay, Research Paper What is cancer? Cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells that if left untreated can ultimately cause death. The word cancer came from the Greek word for crab, karkinos. The early Greek physicians who first described cancerous tumors had no notion of their cause or true nature, but they were struck by the resemblance if some invasive tumors to crabs: a hard mass with a claw like extensions and an aggressive nature.
Skin Cancer Essay Research Paper 1 Melanoma
Skin Cancer Essay, Research Paper Melanoma is the one of the rarest forms of skin cancer, yet the most life threatening. Most people consider a tan an attractive, healthy looking feature. About 30% of melanoma appears on a mole. The rest get started on normal skin that s exposed to sunlight. Melamcytes is the body s pigment cells.
Skin Cancer Essay Research Paper Skin CancerGone
Skin Cancer Essay, Research Paper Skin Cancer Gone are the days when people sent children outside to play to get a little color in their cheeks. They know too much about the dangers of unprotected sun
Skin Cancer Essay Research Paper Skin CancerAbout
Skin Cancer Essay, Research Paper Skin Cancer About a million americans will develop skin cancer this year. Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers, and it’s increasingly on the rise. There are
Ode To Boys Essay Research Paper We
Ode To Boys Essay, Research Paper We like them But do they like us The ones we do never fuss They don’t stop in And we wonder why We stress, we bitch We sometimes cry
Skin Cancer Essay Research Paper Introduction What
Skin Cancer Essay, Research Paper Introduction: What is the first thing you all think about when you are on spring break and you re about to run down to the beach and soak in the sun for hours? How you look in your bathing suit? Who you re going to see at the beach? If you remembered your Frisbee or your cooler? I certainly hope not.
The Dangers Of Wanting A Dark Tan
Essay, Research Paper Skin Cancer:”The Dangers of Wanting a Dark Tan.”Have you ever been to a beach or water park and seen all the teenagers with dark, almost tropical tans? Though the look is appealing, every time you go out into the sun with unprotected skin you are putting yourself at risk of skin cancer. Most people don’t think about it, but with today’s pollution and deteriorating ozone, skin cancer is becoming ever more prevalent.
Catch A Fire The Life Of Bob
Marley Essay, Research Paper As I was reading the book Catch a Fire by Timothy White I discovered many things that I didn’t know about Bob Marley. This book was very informative on how Marley got started in the music business.
Euthanasia And The Right To Die Essay
, Research Paper Audience: General Public Type of claim: Policy Euthanasia and the Moral Right to Die “The third night that I roomed with Jack in our tiny double room, in the solid-tumor ward of the cancer clinic of the National Institute of Health in Maryland, a terrible thought occurred to me. Jack had a melanoma in his belly, a malignant solid tumor that the doctors guessed was the size of a softball.
Laetrile Is An Effective Treatment For Cancer
Essay, Research Paper Laetrile Is An Effective Treatment For Cancer Many people in the world today suffer from various forms of cancer. Some types are carcinoma, leukemia, sarcoma, lymphoma, and melanoma. One out of
Skin Cancer Essay Research Paper Skin CancerOf
Skin Cancer Essay, Research Paper Skin Cancer Of all different kinds of cancer, skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. Skin cancer is a disease
The Morality Of Euthenasia Essay Research Paper
“The third night that I roomed with Jack in our tiny double room, in the solid-tumor ward of the cancer clinic of the National Institute of Health in Maryland, a terrible thought occurred to me. Jack had a melanoma in his belly, a malignant solid tumor that the doctors guessed was the size of a softball. The doctors planned to remove the tumor, but they knew Jack would soon die.