What is Malignant Melanoma (Skin Cancer) ?
MELANOMA is a cancer of the pigment producing cells in the skin, known as melanocytes.MELANOMA begins on the surface of the skin where it is easy to see and treat. If time given to grow, MELANOMA can grow down into the skin, ultimately reaching the blood and lymphatic vessels, and spread around the body (metastasize), causing life-threatening illness. It is curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread. The goal is to detect MELANOMA early when it is still on the surface of the skin...
Causes of Malignant Melanoma
It is not certain how all cases of MELANOMA develop. However, it is clear that excessive sun exposure, especially severe blistering sunburns early in life, can promote MELANOMA development. There is evidence that ultraviolet radiation used in indoor tanning equipment may cause MELANOMA. The risk for developing MELANOMA may also be inherited. Anyone can get MELANOMA, but fair-skinned sun-sensitive people are at a higher risk. Since ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a major culprit, people who tan poorly, or burn easily are at the greatest risk...
Signs And Symptoms of Malignant Melanoma
MELANOMA can occur anywhere on the skin or the nails, even in places not directly exposed to the sun like the eyes, mucous membranes (mouth and genitals), or internal organs. It is most common on the backs of men and legs of women. MELANOMA is usually brown or black in color, but sometimes, though rare, may be red, skin-colored, or white. It can arise from a pre-existing mole, or appear on previously normal skin. MELANOMAs grow slowly; therefore, growing, changing, or irregular lesions should arouse suspicion...
When looking at a spot on the skin it is helpful to apply the ABCD rules : -
Asymmetry : - Meaning one half is different than another. Draw an imaginary line through the middle of the lesion, either up and down or side to side. Are the two sides the same size and shape (symmetric)? MELANOMAs are usually asymmetric.
Border Irregularity : - The edge, or border, of MELANOMAs are usually ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color : - Benign moles can be any color, but a single mole will be only one color. MELANOMA often has a variety of hues and colors within the same lesion.
Diameter : - MELANOMAs continue to grow, while moles remain small. Is the lesion larger than a pencil eraser (6mm)?
Diagnosis of Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
A skin biopsy is usually necessary to confirm a MELANOMA diagnosis. In this procedure, the mole is removed and checked under a microscope. A skin biopsy often requires a local aesthetics.
A complete physical and ophthalmological (eye) examination should be done. Diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-ray, computed tomography (CAT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET scan) and radio-isotopic bone or organ scan may be included...
Tratment of Melanoma (Skin Cancer) in India
The best treatment is early detection. A quick look from a dermatologist can confirm whether a lesion is suspicious for MELANOMA. If so, the next step is to perform a biopsy. This involves numbing the area and removing the entire lesion, or a portion, which can be examined under a microscope. This simple, quick procedure is performed in the dermatologist\'s office. If a MELANOMA is detected, treatment is guided by how deep the MELANOMA penetrates the skin.
Treatment for MELANOMA begins with the surgical removal of the MELANOMA and some normal-looking skin around the growth. Removal of the normal-looking skin is known as taking margins, and is done to be sure no MELANOMA is left behind. Early MELANOMA limited to the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis) is known as MELANOMA in situ (in place), and simple surgical removal produces virtually a 100 percent cure rate. If left untreated, the MELANOMA grows deeper in the skin and is more likely to produce a life-threatening situation...
Please log on to : www.indiahospitaltour.com
Send your query : Get a Quote
We Care Core Values
We have a very simple business model that keeps you as the centre.
Having the industry\'s most elaborate and exclusive Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed at each partner hospital, we provide you the smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our patient care standards are unmatched across the sub continent.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
About the Author
Welcome to World Class Treatment and Surgery by We Care Health Services, India. Contact Us :www.indiasurgerytour.com || E-mail us on : info@indiahospitaltour.com || Contact Center Tel. :( 91) 22 28950588 / ( 91) 22 28941902 (24 hrs.) The surgery and medical treatments offered by We Care Health Services at JCI Accredited / ISO Certified Hospitals are vast and varied; ranging from Heart Surgery in India, Cardiology to Cardio Thoracic surgery, Total Knee / Hip / Ankle / Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery in India including ACL reconstruction Surgery to Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Surgery in India , Spine Surgery in India like Discectomy / Laminectomy Surgery, Cervical Decompression to Anterior / Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery in India, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Cancer surgery, Sterotactic Radiotherapy, Autologous / Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplant Surgery to Breast Cancer treatments, Near relative Kidney Transplant Surgery to Dialysis and Kidney Biopsy, Low Cost Liver Transplants Surgery, Hysterectomy (Vaginal / Abdominal) to Ovarian Cystectomy, Hernia repair Surgery to Cholecystectomy, Advanced Neurosurgery in India, Bariatric surgery, Gastric Bypass Surgery in India, Eye Surgery in India, Cornea Transplant, Cataract Surgery to LASIK Eye care Surgery, IVF, ICSI, Egg Donor to Surrogacy, Minimally Invasive surgery or Laparoscopic Surgery to Cochlear Implants, Breast Lift / Tummy Tuck, Face Lift to Low Cost Rhinoplasty Cosmetic Surgery, multi specialty Hospitals in India offering first world treatments with board certified highly qualified medical consultants in attendance at third world prices..
