How Do You Know You Have Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is very rare but is the most serious of all skin cancers. It primarily occurs on the skin but it can also spread to other organs and even bone.

Risk factors

·     There is a higher risk of getting melanoma if you spend too much time in the sun. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays may cause normal skin cells to become abnormal. When they become abnormal they become uncontrollable and may attack the healthy cells around them.   

·         If your complexion is fair (light-skinned)

·         If there is a history of melanoma in your family

·         If you have a large number of abnormal or irregular moles. The irregular moles may be rough or smooth and can be raised or flat and level with the skin.

Among the early signs of melanoma is the growth of a new mole or skin growth on the skin. The growth then changes color, size or shape. Changes may also occur to an existing mole or any other mark on the skin. You may sometimes think that it is a bruise that is refusing to heal. Melanoma diagnosis involves taking a piece of tissue from the growth and testing it for cancerous cells (biopsy). 

These symptoms of melanoma can occur on any part of the body. They are however more likely to occur on the upper back in both men and women. Women can also have them on the legs. Older men usually have them on the scalp, neck and ears but older people in general have them on the face. In rare occasions the growths or moles may appear in mucous membranes like the rectum, mouth and vagina. They also occur on nail beds, palms and the soles of feet.

Signs of melanoma

Among the first noticeable and significant signs of melanoma is the change that occurs to the moles or skin growths. There is a guideline to help you ‘study’ these changes accordingly. It is known as the ABCDE system.  

·         A stands for asymmetry. You will find that one half of the mole or growth is not exactly like the other half.

·         B refers to border irregularity. Its borders or edges are ragged, blurred or uneven.

·         C is for color. The color of the mole is also uneven.

·         D stands for diameter. The size of the growth is larger than a pencil eraser.

·         E is evolution. Changes in shape, size, color or itchiness and bleeding may occur to the growth.

Signs of melanoma that you should not ignore include swollen lymph nodes (armpit or groin) and a colorless lump under the skin. These indicate melanoma that has spread.  

Just like any cancer handling the early signs of melanoma will pose a higher chance of curing it. Some symptoms of melanoma may be similar to other skin conditions. Melanoma diagnosis is important to either rule it out or confirm it and begin treatment.

Different Moles Indicate Different Conditions

Moles are growths on the skin that may be a little darker in color compared to the skin pigment. They come about as a result of skin cells (known as melanocytes) clustering together as they develop, instead of spreading evenly on the skin. They are a common occurrence in some families since they can be passed on from parents to children. Most moles are harmless and may even stop growing and not cause much difference.

Some moles may spell bad news though. Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) are an example. They are comprised of many moles (nevi) that are irregularly shaped. The size, color and location may vary but they will be larger than your everyday mole. The color is usually uneven but with a dark brown center and edges that are lighter and uneven. Most people with such moles have more than 20 of them and some have as high as 100 moles.

These are however not termed as cancerous moles (though someone who has a large number of atypical moles is more prone to get melanoma, which is cancer of the skin). But, any changes that occur to them should be carefully noted and reported to a doctor. Melanoma occurs on the skin but may also spread to other parts near the skin and through the blood to other body organs.

Other features of cancerous moles

Even if a mole is not irregularly shaped it does not mean that there is no risk of it being cancerous. Be on the lookout for an itchy mole. These will have you constantly scratching even when you feel there is no specific trigger.     

Sometimes you may have a painful mole. It may just become tender of its own accord and the pain may be easy to ignore at first. The solution you settle for may be to take some pain medication but you need to get it checked by a doctor.

A bleeding mole should not be ignored as well. Even as you wipe the blood figure out how you will contact your doctor because that is not good.  

Cancerous moles may occur at any age but doctors are more concerned with those that appear after the age of 30. A mole that looks different or behaves differently like a bleeding mole, painful mole or an itchy mole should be checked. If a mole was always of a normal shape and size and then changes begin to occur to it like a deepening of the color, a change in size, height or shape you should see your doctor.

For you to see the changes you will have to monitor your moles. You can use a mirror or ask someone to help you look at areas out of your visual range. Those areas that see the sun a lot should get more attention.

Some people just prefer to avoid the trouble of going through their moles every so often so they want them removed. A mole can get removed by a dermatologist for cosmetic reasons as well and not just medical ones. So have a chat with yours if you so desire. 

How to Help a Skin Cancer Patient Cope with Anxiety

Cancer is more than just a health problem. It is a total lifestyle changer. Cancer brings along an emotional roller-coaster where anxiety and stress coupled with uncertainty of what the future may bring. Skin cancer is a special case since it is the most visible of all cancers. It is affecting the largest organ in the body. In a 1988 Canadian study, fatigue and anxiety were reported by cancer patients calling a toll-free number. This is reinforced by a study that was published in 2002 by the journal of American Society of Clinical Oncology. Helping a skin cancer patient cope with anxiety can help ease the situation. Here are some tips on how to help against anxiety.

Help acknowledge the feelings

It is important that you are able to relay to the cancer patient that the anxious feeling is normal. Acknowledging the feelings can lead to better acceptance of the situation which can help an individual become more responsive to treatments. There are also worries about the side effects of the treatments and chemotherapy. Most often, cancer patients would feel alone and hopeless if they will survive the ordeal. Some patients would have anxieties about work and finances. Help them understand that the chance of survival would depend on how well the patient responds and cooperate with the treatment. In a study, it was found out that pessimism is an indicator of emotional morbidity.

Help them consider anti-anxiety medication

Some patients may refuse counselling for their anxiety. In this case ask them to ask their doctor for the use of medication. Distress and insomnia would be dominant as a patient goes through the rigors of coping with cancer. Medicines, according to the US National Cancer Institute may be combined with other therapies. The NCI said that antidepressants are useful for cancer patients that are having anxiety disorders. The NCI has a clinical trial that can help find medical solutions to the anxiety problems among cancer patients.

Help them understand that anxiety control is important

A study made by Stanford University is quite an eye-opener. In the study mice that had cancer impacted how they looked at their medical condition. Laboratory rats that were too anxious developed a more serious and invasive type of skin cancer. This means that cancer patients need to understand that controlling anxiety improves the risk. Friends like you can help deal with the feelings that a patient has. Help them feel that they are not alone and helpless. Cancer centers can also help manage the anxiety and deal with the feelings using different approaches, treatments and therapies. They are able to explain in depth the cause for the worry and how people around the patient can contribute for further help and support.

Help them improve sleep

Anxiety makes it difficult to sleep. The lack of sleep makes the anxiety worse. This is the reason why people with cancer should get enough sleep to counter anxiety disorders. The use of some meditation and relaxation techniques can help. Some herbs could also help such as chamomile. But, before engaging in any chemical solution to the anxiety problem it is best to clear it with a doctor first. There is a chance that some of the chemicals may have a contra-indication with the medication being used to treat the cancer.

Help them understand what is happening

The fear and negative thought causes the heart rate as well as the blood pressure to increase. The release of cortisol and adrenaline will bring in more energy. This is a natural response of the body. The problem is that anxiety can become a vicious cycle that may end up not getting any control over it. This may lead to complicated situations that may make the cancer worse.

Help them cope and adjust

Long-term coping mechanisms and adjustment should be the goal of the friends of cancer patients. There are plenty of coping mechanisms available. There is no band-aid solution to the problem. The idiosyncrasies of cancer patients will make it tricky to find the right anxiety coping mechanism right away. It is harder for the patient to locate the right one without your help.

Anxiety in cancer is real. It is not uncommon for people with cancer to suffer both with the physical pains and the mental turmoil. Cancer patients are likely to suffer from anxiety disorders. This is why adjusting to the emotional problems is part of coping with skin cancer.

About the Author:

Ryan Rivera used to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.  He now shares his tips to his readers all his learned coping techniques for anxiety, stress, panic attacks and depression.  Please visit his Calm Clinic Twitter account for more helpful coping tips.

Types and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The skin is the body’s largest organ. Like many other body organs it is susceptible to cancer. This kind of cancer affects skin that is exposed to the sun most of the time. This means the backs of hands, neck, arms, face (including mouth, lips and nose), lower legs and a bald scalp are common areas affected. On the other hand, the genital areas, feet soles and nail bed are areas rarely affected by skin cancer. There are three main types of skin cancers. These are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Aside from these common ones there are other rarer kinds of skin cancers and pre cancers like Actinic Keratosis. This article will look at skin cancer signs and their types.

Actinic Keratosis

This is also referred to as pre cancer or solar keratosis. This precedes the onset of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Skin cancer symptoms of this condition include reddened, rough and irregular patches with a scaly feature. They have a stinging sensation and usually occur in multiple patches.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

This is the second most common skin cancer. It usually stems from skin affected by Actinic Keratosis. At other times it may happen on parts of the skin affected by irradiation and burns. Its common appearance is that of a red toned nodule with a crusty or scaly surface. It could also start as an ulcer in the skin. In advanced cases they bleed and ulcerate. The skin cancer symptoms for SCC are minimal. Itching is an uncommon symptom. Any non-healing ulcer or growth should be seen by a dermatologist to rule out an SC, as, left untreated it will spread to other organs and grow deep towards the bones.

Basal cell carcinoma

This is the most common kind of skin cancer. Signs of skin cancer for this type are difficult to spot, as early lesions are usually mistaken for a pimple or spot. It develops slowly and like SCC it usually affects areas of the skin over exposed to the sun. There are three forms of BCC. There is the nodular BCC which presents as a smooth/ shiny growth with visible/ prominent blood vessels.  There is also the superficial BCC which features a red patch with scales. Lastly, you could have sclerosing BCC which can be mistaken for a scar. Other skin cancer signs include a pimple that does not fade or clear, patches of skin growths either pink or reddish that bleed easily and are usually scaly, and non-healing ulcers.

Melanoma

Melanoma symptoms can develop anywhere on the body though skin exposed to the sun is more susceptible. It can develop as a new lesion or come from an existing mole. Recent growth or colour change in a mole is the most worrying of melanoma symptoms which also include- itching/ bleeding moles & variation in color within a mole. Common signs of skin cancer for melanoma include pain and itching sensations on the skin and growth of moles. A bleeding mole can occur simply due to trauma. So if this is a temporary phenomenon lasting 7-10 days, this is usually harmless. Melanoma is not as common, but is the most fatal of the three skin cancers.