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Melanoma Research Paper

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Melanoma is cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Other names for this cancer include malignant melanoma and cutaneous melanoma. Most melanoma cells still make melanin, so melanoma tumors are usually brown or black. But some melanomas do not make melanin and can appear pink, tan, or even white. This type of cancer can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the chest/back in men and on the legs in women. The first sign is the appearance of a flat or slightly raised discolored patch that has irregular borders and is somewhat asymmetrical in form. The color varies, and you may see areas of tan, brown, black, red, blue or white.

Everyone is at risk for melanoma, but risk depends on several factors: sun exposure, …show more content…

Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type. This type is most common in Caucasians, is usually irregular in shape, and has different shades of black and brown. Nodular melanoma is the second most common type and usually begins as a raised area that is dark blackish-blue or bluish-red. Lentigo maligna melanoma is usually seen in the elderly. This type is rare and is most common in sun-damaged skin on your face, neck, and arms. This last type of melanoma is very rare it is known as Acral lentiginous melanoma and it usually occurs on palms, sole of feet, or under the …show more content…

Five standard treatments that are being used today include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Surgery to remove tumors is the primary treatment of all stages of melanoma. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of

cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Lastly targeted therapy, is the treatment that uses drugs and other substances to attack cancer cells. Some of these treatments are standard and others are being clinically tested in clinical trials. Patients may enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment. Follow-up tests may be needed.

Since its inception in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen. Other prevention tips include the following: seek the shade, cover up, keep newborns out of the sun, examine your skin, and avoid tannin/ using UV tanning beds. It is also recommended you see you physician annually for a professional skin

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