Benefits Of Vitamin A In Reducing Melanoma Risk

Promising findings on reducing melanoma risk have come from a new study that has found that one of the benefits of vitamin a supplements might be to offer protection against disfiguring, dangerous and sometimes deadly melanoma. Despite this, researchers are not suggesting you start taking vitamin A supplements, as this nutrient can be dangerous in high doses.

Vitamin A is found naturally in foods like carrots, eggs, milk, liver, spinach and sweet potatoes and plays a key role in our vision, bone health, reproduction, cell division and differentiation as well as helping to manage the immune system.

It's also known to help the skin and mucous membranes stay strong and keep out both bacteria and viruses. Surveys have found that most Americans get enough vitamin A in the diet, and deficiencies in this country are rare.

The researchers looking for a link between vitamin A and melanoma examined melanoma risk for 69,635 subjects who were 62 years old on average. After a period of six years, 566 had been diagnosed with melanoma.

For the 59,000 subjects who had never taken vitamin A supplements there were 506 melanomas, but for the 5,800 who were taking supplements and had used them regularly over the past decade, there were just 28 cases.

In fact, those who got additional vitamin A through supplements had almost a 40% less chance to be diagnosed with melanoma as those who didn't take such supplements.

The strange thing is, it was only the supplements that lowered the risk, not getting the nutrient from foods.

The reduced risk was more significant in women compared to men, and the protection was greatest in parts of the body that have frequent exposure to the rays of the sun. Women may benefit more than men because they are more susceptible to skin damage from UV radiation than men are.

The researchers are emphatic that the reduction in melanoma was associated with the supplements not the nutrient obtained from the diet. They know this because the protective benefits were only seen in those who were taking on board more vitamin A than can be found in commercially available multivitamin formulas.

And it was only the vitamin A, not carotenoids that brought the lower risk of melanoma. A carotenoid is a precursor (converted by the body as needed) to vitamin A - beta-carotene or lycopene may be names you know.

Other experts, not involved in the work, aren't surprised that vitamin A offers some protection against melanoma. The thing is, experts are quick to warn that the findings are preliminary and that excessive amounts vitamin A is a dangerous thing; it can bring serious risks such as birth defects, lower bone mineral density or liver toxicity, as well as troublesome symptoms like dry skin or hair loss.

The National Institutes of Health recommends a daily intake of 700 micrograms of vitamin A for women and 900 micrograms for men. Taking over 2,800 micrograms can lead to toxic symptoms.

Researchers speculate that supplements of this nutrient might have a place in high risk patients such as those who are fair skinned, have a history of sunburn or a lot of moles on their skin. For the rest of us, if you're concerned about skin cancer, be smart about the sun and supplement with a multivitamin that has the benefits of vitamin A as one of many nutrients. These people should also avoid the sun, use sun protection consistently and have an annual skin exam by a dermatologist.

FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to discover more about melanoma risk and how to recognize the warning signs.

Original article

Skin Moles Associated With Melanoma

Generally, skin moles are harmless features on your body. However, do not deny that these skin moles are a cause for concern. Have you ever encountered the word 'Melanoma'? It is the medical condition of a person having skin cancer. There are so many factors that serve as promoting factors, to convert skin moles into a serious cancer. It is important to know what these factors are in order to steer clear of having skin cancer.

Some of the factors that can turn moles into melanoma include the presence of dysplastic nevus or the presence of more than 50 moles in the body. Having a lot of moles or dysplastic nevus does not automatically make one have cancer, though. But if you compare the chances of getting cancer of one person with a lot of moles and another with less, the latter will have lesser possibilities. This was also backed by scientific research.

A lot of research was also put on the other causative factors. Melanoma might also be associated with genetic factors. You may have melanoma, if you notice that it runs in your family. For instance, if you have your very close relatives like father, mother or siblings with skin cancer, then you might have a higher chance. In some families, there will be certain inherited diseases or disorders like xerodermapigmentosum. When that happens, melanoma occurrence is highly probably because of the skin's sensitivity to the sun. But there are a lot of wonderful remedies to remove them, so don't be too concerned. Thanks to the advancements in technology, complete mole removal is possible. Melanoma patients have successfully undergone laser surgeries.

Sensitivity to the sun sometimes does not come naturally to the skin. However, sensitivity can develop due to the use of certain antibiotics and drugs. Cancer tendencies can also be increased by the intake of some hormonal tablets. In these cases, you will experience having your immune system become suppressed. Thus you might end up having melanoma. This is not to cause unnecessary alarm to people with moles.

It is only meant to make people more aware and mindful of their moles. If they avoid the causative agents, melanoma can be easily prevented in future. The sensitivity to sun exposure is higher for those with very fair complexion. People with fair skin, blue eyes and blond hair have a higher chance. They need to be more careful, while traveling in summer. Moreover, if you have already developed one kind of melanoma, it is easier to get other associated kinds of melanoma. You may be aware of some people using sun lamps or tanning booths. People with moles who are under 30 years of age are warned by doctors against using these tanning booths. Avoid exposing your skin to them for prolonged periods of time.

I hope that this article makes you aware about all the indicators that show how a normal skin turns out to be cancerous. Again, they are not dangerous and benign. Generally, they do not pose any threat to humans. In fact, in some cultures, they are regarded as beautiful if found on certain parts of the body.

In order to understand a bit more concerning removing skin moles. Pay a visit to http://www.moleremoval.net/

Original article

No Family Link Observed Between Parkinson's Disease And Melanoma

Earlier research had claimed that people who had melanoma running in their families were at a higher risk of getting Parkinson's. However, a new research now claims that there is no connection between these two diseases. The researchers of the new study though are quick to point out that this does not mean that there is no genetic connection between Parkinson's and melanoma. There could be, but this connection may not have an effect.

Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that is no very common, but it can be quite aggressive and fatal. It has been seen that this kind of cancer is prevalent in families and if a person has a couple of close relatives who have been diagnosed with melanoma, then he or she is at a higher risk of getting it.

A study conducted in 2009 on over 150,000 adults concluded that melanoma patients' parents, siblings and kids were twice as likely to get Parkinson's compared to people who did not melanoma running in their immediate family. In another research, the researchers found that a gene named MC1R, which is responsible for red hair and higher risk of melanoma, was also the gene that increased a person's risk to Parkinson's.

These two studies' findings were similar to studies conducted in the UK, the US and Denmark a few years ago which concluded that people suffering from Parkinson's had a higher chance of contracting melanoma.

While all these studies imply that the same gene is responsible for causing Parkinson's and melanoma, they have not been able to prove this fact.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in elderly care. He also offers top quality articles like:
Alzheimers And Coffee, Types of Dementia

Original article

Sunscreens Prevent Melanoma But Watch the Vitamin D

Daily use of sunscreens can prevent melanoma in adults according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on December 8 2010. The trial involved 1621 randomly selected participants and was conducted between 1992 and 1996. Half the group applied the sunscreen every day and the other half were left to apply it when they felt it necessary.The participants were examined 15 years later and the number of people who developed melanomas in the group that rigidly applied sunscreen every day was only half that of the group who were allowed to apply sunscreen whenever the thought necessary.

How to use sunscreens

First of all avoid the summer sun for 4 hours around midday if possible. This is between 10am and 2pm. Adjust for daylight saving if it is in your area. Always apply sunscreen to cool dry skin. This means applying before you go out in the sun and allow to dry before sun exposure (15 minutes should be sufficient). Applying sunscreen at the beach when you are standing in the sun and already have beads of perspiration on the skin is NOT the way to get the sunscreen to adhere to the skin. Every two hours come into the shade, cool down, dry off and re-apply and allow to dry before going out in the sun.

Always choose a sunscreen with a rating of 30+. Some sunscreens have higher ratings but are required by law to only show a lower value. The value means that you can theoretically stay in the sun 30 times longer without developing sunburn.

I STRESS that this is a theoretical rating only and would only apply in ideal laboratory conditions. In practice we go into the water so a little is washed off (how much depends on how dry it was before we entered the water). Then we come out of the water and towel dry. This will often rub off any remaining sunscreen. Hence the need to re-apply.

Then we come to the but...

Preventing the suns rays from reaching the skin also prevents the body from making adequate amounts of Vitamin D3. This occurs with both clothing in cooler months and sunscreens in the summer months. Low levels of Vitamin D3 have been associated with increased risk of colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. Adequate levels of Vitamin D3 also help protect against melanoma.

So too little is bad for you, too much is worse

The happy medium... An exact amount of exposure has not been worked out and it is complicated by the various skin types, The indications are at the moment that 2-8 minutes every day total body exposure (swimsuit for birthday suit) is enough.

Because of the uncertainty and the seriousness of getting it wrong many people are now opting for supplementation i.e Vitamin D3 in a capsule form. The best source I have found is Metagenics which you can obtain through your Natural Health Practitioner or if you are in Australia you can contact me by email jeff@weightmanagementaustralia.com.au and I will arrange for a delivery to you from the manufacturer.

Jeff Sommers is a Pharmacist and Bowen Therapist who has studied natural health solutions for many diseases.
Preventing disease is far preferable to treating disease and adopting a healthy lifestyle based on eating correctly, exercise and supplements is the key to a longer more productive life. More information can be obtained at http://www.weightmanagementaustralia.com.au/

Original article

Prognosis For Melanoma

The prognosis for melanoma can be very good, especially when detected early.

The melanoma signs can appear anywhere on your body, but they most often appear on areas that have had the most sun exposure such as your face, arms, back and legs. It can also appear on other areas that have had very little sun exposure, such as under your feet, palms of your hands and at the fingernails. It is more common for people with dark skin to have these hidden melanomas.

One needs to be very aware of the dangers of radiation from the sun and tanning beds. All too often people raise their own risk of melanoma due to overexposure to ultraviolet rays. It needs to be kept in mind that melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer.

So what is the prognosis of melanoma?

Well it's similar to any skin cancer prognosis in that it depends on the staging. Whereas the two other most common types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell) grow slower and are usually more detectable in the early stages, the melanoma staging can advance more quickly and undetected.

What appears as a simple mole on your skin can be travelling inward without you even knowing.

So be aware of any existing moles and be watching for any changes in color, size, shape and elevation. Be aware of any new moles occurring that you did not previously have.

Now back to the skin cancer prognosis for melanoma.

If detected in the early stage when still local, the prognosis is good or excellent. Survival rate at this stage is 95% to 100%.

If it has advanced inward deeper than 4 mm, then the survival rate is about 50% over a 5 year period. Stages 2 and 3 often have a good survival rate.

If it advances to the lymph nodes or blood, it can create tumors in other vital organs.

If you're not being told a good prognosis by your doctor, don't be willing to give up easily.

There are alternative options available that may work better for you. I'd recommend you read about Peggy Sue who was cured from cancer by alternative natural treatments after being given 3 months to live by the medical doctors. Here's her site: http://www.cancer-research-awareness.com/skin-cancer.html.

Her cancer wasn't skin cancer, but you must keep in mind that the body is a whole and should be treated as a whole. Make the body well and you will be free of all disease.

Personally I would say, if your prognosis for melanoma is good, then it may be a good idea to let it be removed surgically.

But from that point on YOU should take control of your health by learning and living a healthier diet and life style.

It could mean a lot of drastic changes, but I did it and it's well worth it to me.

Gary Harmon is a 20 year survivor of stage III squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer. So, much of what he says comes from his own experiences. If you want to learn more about skin cancer visit http://www.skin-cancer-experiences.com/prognosis-for-melanoma.html or just go to http://www.skin-cancer-experiences.com/.

Original article

How to Protect Our Skin From UV Radiation to Prevent the Melanoma Skin Cancer

We should learn to protect our skin conscientiously from ultraviolet radiation because an excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of getting melanoma. To protect ourselves from burning, reducing the risk of melanoma skin cancer or other skin diseases, we should use appropriate clothing, sunscreens and a gradual and responsible exposure to the sun. A natural tan can also protect us from UV light.

Use of Clothing

In the hours of the day when solar radiation is very high, we have to use protective clothing, glasses, hats, etc., because applying only sunscreen products on the skin may not protect us sufficiently.
The clothing not only acts as a barrier against UV rays, but often allows a better heat combating thanks to the thin layer of air that provides an insulation between the garment and the skin.
However, factors like the moisture, the clothes color, the clothes material, influence the transmission of UV radiation through the tissue.

A dry suit, for example, has a greater protective effect than a wet one. Light-colored clothes are known to absorb ultraviolet rays to a lesser degree than dark ones. Light colored clothes on the other hand, have a greater effect against infrared rays. Cotton has a lower protective factor (10) than silk (160) and blue jeans (1500).

These days, in the market are available some clothes with a calculated protective factor, but it can be sufficient to choose light-colored and tightly-woven ones for a greater protection effect.

Sunscreens and Sunblocks

The most commonly used remedy for not giving up the pleasure of a normal tan, are without doubt sunscreens and sunblocks. Nevertheless, no sunscreen product is able to provide the protection that can be achieved by using suitable clothing or avoiding sunlight exposure at certain hours of the day. The first sunscreens were used to protect the skin only from UVB rays because in the past UVA rays were thought to be safe. These days, modern sunscreens contain some shielding and filtering substances that protect from both UVA and UVB radiation.

Natural Tan

The tan is stimulated by UVB rays. It absorbs more than 70 percent of UV radiation, but has a lesser effect with each passing year. However, the tan can also have negative effects. In fact, when it's intense, it can eliminate the alarm signal represented by the burning sensation, allowing the individual to be exposed to sunlight for longer periods. He will not burn, but after several years, the effects of the chronic exposure to UV rays will appear. Therefore, protection should also be performed in the presence of a natural tan.

If you want more information about skin diseases such as the melanoma skin cancer, in my website (themelanomaskincancer.com) you'll find pictures of melanoma, symptoms, risk factors, treatment of melanoma, etc.

Original article

What Are the Important Risk Factors About Melanoma?

In case you are not aware, melanoma is a very malignant tumor that is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells called melanocytes, the pigment producing cells. While it is usually referred as a type of skin cancer, it can and does occur in other body organs.

Although it is much less common than either basal cell and squamous cell cancers, it is still remains the cause of the greatest number of skin cancer-related deaths.

Over exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun can have very damaging effects on the DNA in the skin cells. Once the DNA becomes damaged, there is a greater incidence of cancerous changes that will develop in the affected cells.

Moles start out as benign tumors, composed of melanocytes and these can become cancerous.

The critical points to look for are changes in the size or shape:

1. Has the mole developed an irregular edge?
2. Is the mole getting darker or showing multiple shades?
3. Is there any presence of inflammation, itching or bleeding?
4. Is there any growth of a crusty surface?

If you notice any of the signs or multiple signs, you need to see a physician immediately. Any individual who has numerous abnormal moles is more likely to develop melanoma.

Individuals who have fair skin, especially with red hair, are also at a higher risk. If your skin is highly freckled, you are also at a greater risk for the disease. People who have darker skin pigmentation, have greater natural protection.

If there is a family history of malignant melanoma, especially a mother, father, brother or sister, this factor significantly increases the risk. Statistically, individuals who have a primary relative diagnosed with melanoma, will develop it themselves.

The best preventative measures are careful monitoring for any changes in your skin, minimizing your exposure to the sun during the hours of 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun and when you go swimming, you must use some type of sunscreen.

Melanoma must be diagnosed at the earliest stages, so they treatment can be initiated. If it is NOT diagnosed early and treated, it can easily spread to other parts of the body and be fatal.

Mickey Lieberman is a Computer Consultant with over 30 years of experience working with both IBM mainframes, in various capacities and PC's. My skin cancer was diagnosed early and surgically removed.

Original article

Why Is Melanoma a Potential Killer?

All skin cancers can be bad, but Melanoma is without a doubt the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from any type of skin disease. This type of skin cancer involves the cells called melanocytes. These cells produce the skin pigment called melanin, which is responsible for skin and hair color.

Melanoma has the ability to spread very rapidly. It is less common than the other types of skin cancer. The rate of melanoma continues to increase and it is the leading cause of death from any of the skin diseases.

The actual risk of developing melanoma tends to increase with age, but the disease can and does affect the young and otherwise healthy people.

A melanoma may appear anywhere on normal skin. It may begin where there is a mole or any other area that has changed in its appearance. Often times, moles that were present at birth, may develop into melanomas.

Anyone who develops a melanoma is due to sun exposure, especially from sunburns during childhood. It is also most common among those people having fair skin, blue or green eyes and red or blond hair.

Who is at Risk of developing Melanoma?

1. A Family history of melanoma
2. Having red or blond hair and fair skin
3. Having multiple birthmarks
4. Developing precancerous sores
5. Freckling on the upper back
6. Multiple blistering sunburns before age 20
7. Several years spent at an outdoor summer job as a teenager
8. Exposure to strong sunlight

The most obvious symptom of any skin cancer is normally a mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin. If there is any change in the appearance of a pigmented skin sore over time, this is a definite warning sign. You also need to watch for any bleeding from a skin growth.

The ABCD system of skin cancer can help you remember what might be symptoms of melanoma:

* Asymmetry: One half of the area is different from the other half
* Borders: The growth may irregular edges
* Color: Changes from one area to another (tan, brown, or black, sometimes white, red, or blue). There may be a mixture of colors that within one sore
* Diameter: The trouble spot is usually, but not always, about the size of a pencil eraser

The most critical key to treating any melanoma is early recognition of the symptoms. Unless you check your body on a regular basis, you might not notice some small spot of concern. See a dermatologist yearly.

If you find any suspicious areas on your skin, see your physician as soon as possible.

The American Cancer Society strongly recommends a yearly professional skin examination after age 40 and every 3 years for those in the 20 - 40 age range. Monthly self-examinations are also highly recommended.

If your health care provider suspects melanoma based on the appearance of the growth, sore, or lump, a biopsy may be performed confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may remove a small area of a growth it may remove the entire growth.

The cancerous cells and possibly a portion of the normal surrounding skin may be surgically removed. The physician may also perform a lymph node biopsy to check and determine if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. If it has spread to the lymph nodes, then these lymph nodes may also need to be removed. If a large area of skin is affected, then a skin graft may be necessary.

Surgery can cure only the smallest and most shallow melanomas, so an early diagnosis is very important. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be used in addition to surgery.

If the skin cancer has progressed to a depth of 4 mm or the lymph nodes have evidence of cancer, there is a very high risk that the cancer either has spread or will spread to other tissues and organs.

For those patients where the melanoma has spread beyond the skin and lymph nodes to other organs of the body, the treatment is much more difficult. When this is the case, the melanoma is usually not curable. Treatment at this stage is aimed at shrinking the tumor and improving symptoms. Both chemotherapy and the use of other drugs may be tried.

The success of treatment depends on numerous factors, that include the general health of the patient and whether the cancer has in fact, spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.

If caught in the earliest stages, melanoma can be cured, but there is a risk of the cancer returning depending on the depth of the tumor. Deeper tumors have a tendency to come back. Also, if the cancer has definitely spread to lymph nodes, there is a much greater chance that the melanoma will return. If the melanoma has spread to other tissues and organs, the cure rate and survival rates are low. Melanoma that has spread may lead to the patient's death.

You Must see your health care provider as soon as you notice any symptoms that might indicate melanoma.

**** If any skin growth you have changes in color, size or texture
**** If any existing lesion you have causes pain, swelling, bleeding or itching

Mickey Lieberman is a Computer Consultant with over 30 years of experience working with both IBM mainframes, in various capacities and PC's. My skin cancer was diagnosed early and surgically removed.

Original article

How to Differentiate a Mole From Melanoma to Identify Signs of Skin Cancer

Are you worried about a mole or new growth on your skin? In this article we discuss the most common signs of melanoma skin cancer and how you can assess a mole or growth on your skin.

As we age our skin tends to develop new marks. While many of these blemishes can be completely harmless and superficial, it is wise to treat new occurrences with vigilance and scrutiny in case they indicate a dangerous condition such as skin cancer.

While skin cancers start out small, they can go through unpredictable phases of quick growth and in some cases the cancerous cells can metastasize (spread throughout the body), spreading the danger to your internal organs and becoming much harder to treat. This is why early detection is paramount, even if the cancer is small.

Here are some signs to look out for when examining your mole for signs of skin cancer:

1. Color - Most moles are black in color, while some of them may have a lighter shade too. However, if a mole has more than one color you need to treat it with suspicion and approach a doctor immediately.

2. Size - An abnormally large mole is a worrying sign. While there is no particular guideline about this, a mole or growth on the skin should not grow larger than a quarter of an inch, and if it is growing in size this could be reason for concern.

3. Orientation - Once again, this is more of an approximation than a rule, but if the mole is raised too much above the skin surface, it should be a matter of concern to you. Likewise, it should not be too tilted onto any one side.

4. Edges - The edges should normally be smooth and regular just like the skin. If you think that the edges are jagged and uneven, get in touch with your doctor immediately.

5. Symmetry - The mole or growth should look the same on its left and right halves. If it has a different shape in its two halves, it can be a cause for concern may be a very likely sign of skin cancer.

Place yourself in a well-lit area and take the time to examine your mole thoroughly. If it shows any, or a combination of the above symptoms it is advisable to seek the advise of a medical practitioner sooner rather than later.

To learn more about the treatment of skin cancers including Curaderm - a revolutionary, natural, topical treatment for skin cancers please visit http://www.curadermbec5.com/

Original article

Melanoma Symptoms Pain: Sign of Hidden Melanoma in the Body

Seldom is pain experienced by melanoma patients but if in case you do feel melanoma symptoms pain on your skin, chances are you have what they call as  hidden melanoma.

Typically, melanoma develops on the skin but in some instances it may occur on other body parts like the eye, inside of the nose or the mouth. These are what we call as hidden melanomas.

Kinds of Melanoma with Melanoma Symptoms Pain

If you experience pain or inflammation in any of your body parts coupled with slight changes in the skin color of the infected part, chances are you do have hidden melanoma. Here are a few of the types of hidden melanoma with symptoms of pain.

Female Genitals

Women who suffer from melanoma in their female genitals experience melanoma symptoms pain especially in the labia minora or labia majora. Typical signs which go hand in hand with the pain are vaginal discharge, bleeding and itching. During the advanced stages of the melanoma, you may eventually experience foul odor, vaginal pain, more vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding. So it is always best to consult your gynecologist the moment you notice any abnormalities in the functioning or appearance of your genitals.

Anus

This type will definitely experience melanoma symptoms pain which is often mistaken to be hemorrhoid because of the similarity of the pain experienced by the patient. Nevertheless, whether or not it is a case of hemorrhoid pain you should still consult a specialist if you feel any abnormalities in one of your body parts.

Urinary Tract

You may also experience melanoma symptoms pain when urinating if your melanoma suddenly developed in your urinary tract.  It is couple with frequent urination and blood in the urine. Again, others may thinks of this as signs of urinary tract infection so it is best to have a specialist diagnose your case before you start doing self medication.

Malignant melanoma is a severe problem. It is important to be able to identify causes, see symptoms and have proper diagnosis. I have put together http://melanoma-survivors.com/ to help people deal with melanoma.

Original article

Roche's New Therapy Prolongs Life of Melanoma Patients

Roche has announced promising results for their Phase 3 clinical study (the BRIM3 trial) of the targeted anticancer drug PLX4032 in patients with previously untreated melanoma that has spread throughout the body.

PLX4032 (also designated as RG7204) is a drug being co-developed by Plexxikon and Roche that specifically targets and kills cancer cells that possess the V600E cancer-causing mutation in the BRAF protein. BRAF is critical for normal cell growth and survival.

The V600E mutation causes BRAF to become overactive, leading to excessive cell growth and cancer. BRAF V600E is the most common mutation occurring in human melanomas; it is found in 50-60% of all melanomas. Plexxikon and Roche are also developing a test for detecting which melanoma patients have the BRAF V600E mutation and might benefit from receiving PLX4032.

The purpose of the BRIM trial is to compare PLX4032 to dacarbazine, the standard therapy given to melanoma patients. The drugs were investigated in patients with previously untreated metastatic melanoma with the BRAF mutation. Study participants were randomly assigned to two groups, and received either 960 mg of PLX4032 orally twice daily or 1000 mg/m2 of dacarbazine intravenously every 3 weeks. Patients were monitored for how long they lived (survival) and side effects.

Study participants receiving PLX4032 lived longer (overall survival) and also lived longer without their disease getting worse (progression-free survival) compared to volunteers who received dacarbazine. How much PLX4032 extends life over dacarbazine has not yet been reported. Roche and Plexxicon plan to present these details along with other findings later this year.

Many anticancer agents were not developed to be selective; consequently, they attack and destroy both good and bad cells. PLX4032 targets the BRAF V600E mutation which is only present in cancer cells. Because of this targeted approach to cancer therapy, only mild adverse effects have been reported in the clinical trials for PLX4032. These side effects included rash, joint pain, photosensitivity and fatigue. No effects have been reported as yet for the BRIM3 clinical trial.

Since preliminary BRIM3 study results have been so promising, study volunteers who received dacarbazine will be allowed to switch over and receive PLX4032.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 120,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed annually. This is the most common and dangerous form of skin cancer, causing roughly 80% of skin cancer-related deaths. It is the hope that drugs like save the lives of patients suffering from this devastating disease.

To find out more information about clinical trials or how to join a clinical trial please visit our website.

Original article

Non Melanoma Skin Cancer Increasing

Another troubling statistic... the number of people diagnosed with a non melanoma skin cancer is still going up, with just under 4 million cases being diagnosed in America. During 2009 according to the latest figures from researchers who reported last year that 2 million people in America were treated for 3.5 million nonmelanoma (mainly basal cell or squamous cell) skin cancers.

These cancers can be treated easily if they're found early, however, the highly entrenched view of tanning as healthy looking and beautiful has created a significant public health problem.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans, and recently rising rates have brought both attention and concern from the medical community.

The new findings showed that cancer treatments among Medicare patients went up an extra 2.4% between 2006 to 2007; 2.5% from 2007 to 2008, plus an extra 1.6 in 2009.

The number of treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancers is considered a good gauge of the total number of cancers. This, according to the researchers, allows their work to provide truest figures we've had thus far on this particular type of cancer.

To arrive at their final estimate the researchers analysed Medicare claims to get the total number of skin cancer treatments among Medicare patients, and then calculated figures for the general population.

An earlier report found cancer removals increased about 4% a year between 1992 to 2006. If things continue on as they have been it's thought nonmelanoma cancers of the skin will double in the next couple of decades.

The cost, in terms of money alone, is huge. Diagnosing and treating individual skin cancers costs over $2,000. This brings the total cost for the reported cases from 2009 to over $8.5 billion.

One of the most worrisome parts of this cancer problem is that the numbers are likely to continue to rise. The reason? There's often a time lag of at least 20 years between damage by the sun and the manifestation of a cancerous growth. That means, for many of us, the skin damage has already been done.

So what can we do to reduce our risk now?

- Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 when going outside.
- Wear protective clothing (a shirt with long sleeves, pants, wide brimmed hat, sunglasses) when you are out in the sun.
- Try to get in the shade whenever you can, especially between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
- Be careful near reflective surfaces like water, sand and snow as this can up your risk of sunburn.
- Stay away from tanning beds as this type of light can cause not only skin cancer but also wrinkling. Self tanners are far better choices for a sun kissed look.
- Anything that changes, grows or bleeds on your skin should be checked by a dermatologist in case it's non melanoma skin cancer or worse, a melanoma.

FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to discover other ways of preventing non melanoma skin cancer from developing.

Original article

Melanoma: Thoughts of a Dermatologist

You have heard the message by now: Melanoma is deadly. You also probably know that it is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and that one American every hour dies from melanoma. Millimeter for millimeter, it is the deadliest cancer. Rather than bore you with statistics on this horrid disease, allow me to share with you some fascinating background you may not have heard before.

There are few historical accounts of melanoma. It was not officially recognized as a disease until 1806 in France. Several years prior in 1787, a perplexed Scottish surgeon named John Hunter was confronted by a large black growth on the jaw of a thirty-five year man. He described it as a "cancerous fungus". Not knowing what it was, he did what surgeons do: he cut it out. Amazingly, it wasn't until 1968 that somebody first looked at it under a microscope confirming it was a melanoma. It had been preserved all this time at the Royal College of Surgeons of England Hunterian Museum in London and still can be viewed today I'm told. The patient evidently sought out Dr. Hunter a few years later for a recurrence of the growth in the same spot. In a drunken brawl he had been beaten with a stick and the "soft black mass" returned. The fate of the patient is lost to history. But we do know that it was highly unlikely his melanoma returned due to the beating he took.

Since then, there has been no shortage of melanoma. It might surprise you to learn that many of the leading researchers for melanoma are based in Australia, not the US. In the 1870's the British government established an Australian penal colony and sentenced criminals to live out there days with kangaroos. The forced emigration of pasty white English convicts to the sunny continent has led to an epidemic of melanoma several generations later. Australia holds the distinction of being the melanoma capital of the world. We are not far behind however. In 1935 it was estimated that only one in every 1500-2000 Americans would get melanoma. Several decades of bikinis and tanning salons later, the rate is now 1 in 65 and worsening each year. Predictions are now being made for 1 in every 33 of us in the near future; a staggering increase.

Interestingly, melanoma is one of the few diseases I can name that tends to affect people from higher socioeconomic groups disproportionately. It is believed this is due to disposable income taking families to equatorial destinations for vacations. Vacations in Cancun and Florida equal short but intense periods of sun exposure-the exact same exposure one gets from a tanning bed. It is believed that all those high school girls who tanned for prom back in the 80's and 90's account for the skyrocketing rates of melanoma we are seeing in women under 40 currently. Along with breast and thyroid cancer, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young women. If you watch Grey's Anatomy you know that one of the favorite lead characters (a thirty-something blond) died from melanoma a few seasons back. While normally, I don't pay much attention to those shows, I applaud the effort of the writers in raising awareness of this issue. Governor Brown just outlawed tanning bed use for those under 18 in recognition of the link between ultraviolet light and melanoma.

Tanning is not the sole cause for melanoma however. If only this horrid disease were that simple. Genetics play an equally sinister role in this story. We've known for a long time that if you have melanoma, your first degree relatives are much more likely to get melanoma as well. Many of the new treatments specifically target various genetic mutations and genes associated with melanoma. Shared genes with pancreatic cancer and possibly now even some forms of breast cancer are being studied. But tanning is not off the hook. If someone's genetic makeup is the dry cornfield, tanning is the match and kerosene.

As far as mammalian skin goes, human skin in general is a disaster. It offers virtually no protection from the sun. Even very dark African American skin has only a natural SPF of around 13-20. Pig skin is the closest equivalent to human skin in its make-up and organization. Surgical trainees usually begin their studies by operating and sewing pigs' feet and we still sometimes use pig skin grafts when necessary. It has been said "Also like humans, pigs enjoy lying in the sun, tan in response to the sun, and enjoy drinking large quantities of beer."

Now to bore you with a little scientific background: The melanocyte is a cell in our skin that makes our color. Melanoma is the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes. One bad mutation begets two. Then two begets four. Four begets sixteen, and on and on. The normal melanocyte resembles an octopus and makes the pigment in our skin. Its long tentacles deliver the pigment (melanin) to the other skin cells. The purpose is to shield the other skin cells from sun damage by absorbing the rays from the sun. When you tan, the melanocytes rev up production to make more of this shield. When you see tanning, you know DNA damage has occurred in the skin cells. Thus I like to think of a tan as tears of the melanocytes cried over their neighboring cells.

We are in the midst of a skin cancer epidemic with no end in sight. While most skin cancers are not life threatening, they can necessitate extensive surgery and cause deformities that need surgical correction. However, melanoma is a different story. Luckily, the North State enjoys a stellar collection of dermatologists and surgeons skilled in these arts. While almost 100% curable if caught early, melanoma has a dismal survival rate once it spreads beyond the skin and into other organs. There is no known definitive cure. (please read that last statement again)

Up until the last few years, we have really been no better off in the treatment of advanced melanoma than Dr. Hunter was back in 1787. The lack of progress in almost 225 years is embarrassing to me as a dermatologist. Now the research pipeline is full of treatments coming our way. A melanoma vaccine led the way and has been extensively studied but has not lived up to the hype yet. One recent breakthrough medication turns the immune system against the melanoma cells. Unfortunately for Brits, it has just been rejected by England's national health care panel as not cost effective for their society. The drug boasts a 20% three-year survival rate (or put another way a full 80% of people with metastatic melanoma who take it, will pass away in three years). At $120,000 per patient per year, it certainly raises a lot of philosophical and ethical quandaries. Luckily, there are handfuls of other promising new treatments on the horizon. Hopefully they may be priced more reasonably.

If you or someone you know has metastatic melanoma, talk to your doctor about enrolling in a study. Gone are the days when you will be randomly selected to receive the study drug or doomed to unknowingly receive the sham placebo treatment. I have several patients with advanced melanoma doing quite well in a few studies thus far. It also gives meaning to their suffering and a chance to fight back. While preparing this article it dawned on me that perhaps no other cell in the body has been responsible for more misery in mankind than the melanocyte. Historically, the functions of your melanocytes could doom you to a live of slavery, limit your martial prospects, curb your economic potentials, or simply make you drink from a different water fountain.

In conclusion, I would encourage each of you to see a dermatologist for a full skin exam. You may say to yourself, "My moles look fine. Nothing has changed". To which I would ask, "Would you bet your life on it?"

Dr. Derrick Adams, DO, FAOCD
Board Certified Dermatology
Medical Director of Vita Dermatology & Laser Institute
Red Bluff, CA
Inventor of Sasquatch Itch Cream for the Cure of Poison Oak
http://www.sasquatchcream.com/

Original article

Detecting Skin Melanoma Cancers

When it comes to dangerous, deadly skin melanoma cancers, we need every weapon we can get. Now a new test, a simple, noninvasive procedure that uses adhesive tape to painlessly gather cells from a skin lesion that looks suspicious can accurately identify melanoma in all stages, from early to advanced.

Today melanoma is often identified by visual exam followed by biopsy, an uncomfortable, somewhat painful procedure that collects cells that are then sent to a pathologist for examination.

A new study reports on the new testing method used for a year at 18 different sites in the United States, finding that it was able to identify melanomas with a 100% test rate and a 12% false positive rate.

That's better than anything in use today. Interestingly, there are studies that suggest 40 biopsies are done for each melanoma detected, and this is important to remember. It is thought that this new test will give dermatologists a tool to assess patients before a biopsy, and with the low false positive rate, should reduce the number of more invasive procedures that need to be performed.

The experimental tape used in the study is able to harvest cells from the skin surface, and was developed by a biotech company, which was also the source of funding for the research.

The test uses a patented technology to collect samples from a worrisome skin lesion. During the research, the samples were sent to the lab for analysis; earlier studies had already identified genes specific to melanomas. The latest analysis looked at 17 of these.

According to the researchers, the 17-gene biomarker is able to tell the difference between early and very invasive disease.

The researchers are trying to make this melanoma tape test more affordable, and there'll be lots more testing before they seek approval by the FDA. They hope (if all goes to plan) the test will be available to doctors in around two years. Then it will be up to dermatologists to embrace the new procedure.

The new test might be particulary appealing to those who don't want a biopsy scar on their face or on other visible body parts like arms or legs, or for times when a biopsy would cause undue pain.

Experts tell us that melanoma incidence has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. The increases in America are especially dramatic in specific populations - young women and older gentlemen. The National Cancer Institute has numbers that put the invasive melanoma rates up by just about 4% a year for women 15 to 34 years old since 1995. For men over 65, the rates have shot up by nearly 9% a year.

When it comes to melanoma, or any skin cancer, your best bet is to keep in mind the ABCD system
- Asymmetry (one half different from the other),
- Borders (irregular edges),
- Color (changes from one part to another) and
- Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser).

If you catch skin melanoma cancers early, they are very treatable. This form of cancer is far more dangerous (deadly) once the cancer cells have the chance to spread into the body beyond the skin. Which is why new testing methods that are easy, noninvasive and accurate will always be a welcome addition.

FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to discover how you can reduce your risk of developing skin melanoma cancers and other cancers through natural remedies and lifestyle changes.

Original article

Nodular Melanoma - A Cancer That Creeps From the Sun

People all throughout the entire world are not particularly aware of the dangers of skin cancer or much known as Nodular Melanoma. Knowledge upon this particular disease has not been as high as other cancers are, and the final phase of melanoma is more often left undiagnosed at any possible stage due to lack of knowledge.

The most serious type of skin cancer could lead one to fatality is Nodular melanoma. This is around 35% of all thick melanoma cases combined. The general form of melanoma is more often diagnosed in its initial phase or most often called as thin melanoma. The big differences of thick and thin melanoma are easy to distinguish. Thick melanoma is the types of tumors that penetrates and grow deeper into the person's skin while a thin melanoma spreads just over the top of the skin's surface.

Nodular melanoma is the type of cancer that is invasive. This cancer form can normally be seen on the arms, legs or torso's of a person aged 60 and above. The scalp of someone with nodular melanoma can be affected in any age group. This malignant tumor can be seen as a bump-like feature in the skin. Most of the time, it would be seen as blue, white, brown, grey or tan in tone.

This type of skin cancer is less detected than any other sub types of skin cancer. It only accounts for 15% of the total number of all melanoma cases all around the world. This disease attacks people who are at the later years of their life for it is more commonly found in people aged 50 and above. Nodular melanoma looks like a blue-red or blue-black or an amelanotic nodule in the body. Skin cancer survival rates to any of these accounts to at least 98% chance of survival.

The five - year skin cancer survival rate of someone with nodular melanoma is 91%. When the malignant tumor has reached its next phase, it drops down to 60% and 16% in the later stage. Like any type of cancer there are things you could do to reduce the risk of having skin cancer. One must avoid the sun rays from 10am to 4pm if possible. If one could not stop from basking into the sun on those times, he or she must put on sunscreen or a hat to protect themselves from the harmful sun rays during these times.

For more nodular melanoma skin cancer information, visit Nodular Melanoma.

Original article

Melanoma Treatment Options Gives Hope to Thousands of Patients

There are several clinics which offer melanoma treatment options to thousands of patients. Some of the typical options which they provide include the following:

Mohs Surgery

This type of melanoma treatment option is used to help cure lentigo maligna that are found in the patients neck and head as long as it has not yet spread to other areas of the body. The surgical process involves removing the cancer tissue layer by layer while minimizing the removal of other healthy tissues of the skin before finally removing the entire tumor. Every layer of skin that is removed is stained with immunohistochemical staining which helps the surgeon visualize the cancer cells. Most of the time, the removed tissue is examined under a microscope by a Mohs surgeon for confirmation that the entire cancer tissue has indeed been removed.

Radiation Therapy

This is another popular melanoma treatment option which is used to help fight aggressive melanoma tumors. This is initially treated with surgery that is soon followed by radiation treatments wherein high dosages of targeted radiation are delivered directly to the tumor cells. Those who administer this treatment give their best not to expose surrounding healthy skin tissues to radiation because it may lead to non-melanoma skin cancers.

Chemotherapy

There are different types of chemotherapy melanoma treatment options but one which is highly recommended by doctors is the hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion or HILP. In this process, the affected leg or arm is connected to a lung-heart bypass machine and chemotherapy is directly administered through the machine towards the infected leg or arm. This preferred by physicians because it guaranteed high doses of chemotherapy only to the targeted region without affecting the healthy tissues of the body.

There are other experimental melanoma treatment options that are being tried and tested by different clinics and pharmaceutical companies. But for the meantime, it is best that you stick to these safe and effective melanoma treatment options.

Malignant melanoma is a severe problem. It is important to be able to identify causes, see symptoms and have proper diagnosis. I have put together http://melanoma-survivors.com/ to help people deal with melanoma.

Original article

Mole Melanoma: Promising Research Results in Melanoma Moles Diagnoses

Mole melanoma or skin cancer belongs to the most common cancers. Its risk factor is high because of the inaccurate diagnoses. The new laser tool with 3D imaging technique gives nearly 100% accurate diagnostic results.

Mole is a skin malformation with high risk of melanoma. The risk factor is similar for both genders. Comparing the cases of males and females, melanoma is the fifth and the sixth most common cancer, respectively. From the 115,000 new melanoma cases in 2010, nearly 8,700 resulted in death in the U.S.

The shocking results were published in 2010. Yearly statistical data showed that pathologists are not agree in the diagnosis on 214,000 to 643,000 melanoma cases. The disagreement is the consequence of the methods dermatologists use. They remove suspicious skin cells and study the biopsies with light microscope, just as their colleagues did it 200-300 years ago. The accuracy of these studies is not higher than 85%. In the cases dermatologists/pathologists are in doubt, they remove the diseased cells with additional skin around them, sometimes lymph nodes are removed, too, or chemotherapy is used. The removal of cancerous moles, the surgery and the chemotherapy change drastically the quality of life of the patients, at the same time cause extra and unnecessary healthcare costs. Unnecessary because in nearly 15% of the cases the studied tissues were not cancerous!

The solution is the more accurate melanoma moles diagnosis. The details of a nearly 100% accurate diagnostic method is reported in February 2011! The important information/news arrived from Durham, NC, where Duke University research group headed by Warren S. Warren reported the new laser diagnostic method. Using two lasers the 3D imaging technique separates the harmless and the cancerous moles. With the new laser tool, pathologists can differentiate the eumelanin and the pheomelanin content of the cells. In the cancerous moles the level of eumelanin is significantly higher.

The importance of the new diagnostic method is summarized in one sentence: "The improved diagnoses could potentially save thousands of lives and millions of dollars in unnecessary healthcare costs each year." (Citation from the website of Duke University, Durham, NC, February 23, 2011.)

The research started in 2009 when Director Warren's group was granted $1 million from the National Institutes of Health. They wanted to reach new results in two fields:

(1) Working out a more accurate method than the light microscopic one. The Duke University team reached it now. The new imaging tool is an added instrumentation to already available lasers and is able to separate the positive and the harmless biopsies. As Director Warren said, from now dermatologists and pathologists can use the laser tool to study biopsies, that is moles and bumps removed from a patient.

(2) The second phase of the research is the working out of method studying the moles without removing them. These studies need yet years to implement.

Derek G. Austin is author and editor of health information products. Read more about moles removal on http://www.toprove.com/moleremoval

Original article

Finding Treatments for Melanoma

It can be very scary receiving a cancer diagnosis from the doctor. To many, cancer is considered to be a death sentence; however, this doesn't have to be the case. Many aren't familiar with Melanoma, so a diagnosis of this form of cancer is even scarier. Knowledge is power, so if you've been diagnosed with Melanoma, learn everything you can about it.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If it is caught early enough and is still in Stage 1, it can almost always be cured with a simple surgical procedure that will remove the melanoma from your skin.
However, if the melanoma is not caught early, your doctor may choose to remove the melanoma surgically, often including a wide area excision. Your doctor will also recommend treatment. The treatment could be local, but more often will be a whole-body treatment, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, vaccines, and more.
The good news is that there are several standard treatments for melanoma, and hundreds of new and experimental treatments being tested throughout the United States and around the world. The bad news, however, is that for serious cases of melanoma (Stage 3 and Stage 4) there have not been any significant discoveries of treatments that have high cure rates. Some people respond better to one treatment, while others respond better to another.
Because of the varying success rates of treatments, choosing a treatment protocol for fighting serious cases of melanoma can be challenging. The best way to find the best treatment for you is to explore multiple treatment options. Since different doctors are experimenting with different treatments, it is often best to consult with multiple melanoma doctors before deciding with whom you will work.
In addition to the medical treatment your doctor will prescribe, an "integrative" approach to treating melanoma is likely to be more effective than simply relying on the medical treatment alone. An integrative treatment plan is one that includes diet, herbs, vitamins, supplements, mind-body exercises like visualization, acupuncture, and much more.
The good news is that many of these integrative treatments have shown, either in studies or in clinical practice, to have a positive effect on fighting melanoma. Do research to discover alternative treatment options such as herbal supplements, vitamins, or even non-traditional forms of medicine.
Most importantly of all however, do not believe any bad statistics that anyone tells you about your chances of beating melanoma. Melanoma is a serious challenge, but if you fight hard and believe in yourself, you can beat it! Keep an open mind, and don't be afraid to try new things.

At Found Health, you will find a number of treatments for many illnesses, including Melanoma. Visit our Melanoma home to learn about treatments, diagnosis and more. Ask questions or answer questions, or just read what others are experiencing with different treatment options.

Original article

New Treatments for Advanced and Metastatic Melanoma

Melanoma, the deadly skin cancer, is on the rise. In the United States in 2010, there were estimated 68,130 new cases of invasive cancer and 46,770 of in situ melanoma. In the same year, 8,700 people were predicted to die from this malignancy. Melanoma is curable if it is detected early and can be surgically removed. When melanoma has spread to lymph node(s) or when it is more than 4 mm thick, there is a chance of metastasis (spread to distant organs). Melanoma could spread to the following organs: lung, liver, brain, bone, intestine, pancreas, adrenal, kidney, spleen, heart, and thyroid. Imaging tests such as Pet CT and brain MRI may be done to look for metastasis. Most patients with metastatic melanoma die within one year. The 2-year survival rate is only 10-20%. Current treatments include chemotherapy, of which dacarbazine is the most commonly used. Over the past decades, many drugs and vaccines have been tested, with no success. The last drug approved was interleukin-2 in 1998, but it is so toxic that physicians rarely use it nowadays. Neither it nor the other approved drug, dacarbazine, has clearly demonstrated improved survival. This year, two new drugs are being introduced. The first drug is Yervoy (ipilimumab), which was approved by the FDA in March 2011. The second agent is vemurafenib; it has finished its clinical trial and awaits approval.

Yervoy is an antibody that blocks T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4). This blockage increases T-cell proliferation, which results in a more active immune system to attack the melanoma cells. A recent clinical trial enrolled 502 patients with previously untreated metastatic melanoma. The patients were randomly assigned to either dacarbazine chemotherapy plus Yervoy, or chemotherapy alone. Overall survival was significantly longer in the group receiving Yervoy plus dacarbazine than in the group receiving dacarbazine (11.2 months versus 9.1 months). At one year, 47% of the Yervoy patients are alive, in comparison with 36% in the chemotherapy only group. At two years, 29% of the Yervoy patients are alive, in comparison with 18% in the chemotherapy only group. At three years, 21% of the Yervoy patients are alive, in comparison with 12% in the chemotherapy only group. Yervoy can result in severe immune-mediated adverse reactions due to T-cell activation and proliferation. These immune-mediated side effects may involve any organ system. The most common severe adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. Yervoy costs $120,000 for a complete course of treatment, which consists of four infusions given over a three-month period.

The second promising new drug, vemurafenib, targets a mutation in the gene BRAF (Serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf). About 50% of melanoma cases have this mutation. The clinical trial enrolled 675 patients with previously untreated, metastatic melanoma with the BRAF mutation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either vemurafenib or dacarbazine. At six months, overall survival was 84% in the vemurafenib group and 64% in the chemotherapy group. Common adverse events associated with vemurafenib were joint pain, rash, fatigue, hair loss, squamous-cell carcinoma, photosensitivity, nausea, and diarrhea. In the study, 38% of patients required dose modification because of toxic effects. This drug is being considered for future potential approval by the FDA in melanoma patients. The price tag is unknown at this point.

Dr. Mai Brooks is a surgical oncologist/general surgeon, with expertise in early detection and prevention of cancer. More at http://www.drbrooksmd.com/, http://thecancerexperience.wordpress.com/

Original article

Skin Cancer - Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest and most deadly form of skin cancer. It affects the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin, the skin's pigment) and seems to be more prevalent among city-dwellers than among those who work outside. This seeming paradox is because scientific data indicates that episodic sun exposure resulting in burn is linked to melanoma, but constant exposure is not.

Melanoma does not necessarily occur in sun-exposed areas of the body which contributes to the belief that it is linked to brief, intense periods of sun exposure and a history of severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that metastasizes easily making it often fatal if not treated early enough. Bear in mind, however, that all statistics of melanoma come from tissue that has been examined after some form of excisional treatment or biopsy. Melanoma becomes more common with increasing age but it still appears in younger people.

A melanoma can develop in any area of the skin or from an existing mole. A typical melanoma appears as a small darkened area of skin similar in appearance to a mole. It is recognisable as being different to a mole in four different ways known as the ABCDE of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving.

Asymmetry: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical: a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.

Border: The edges of melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped, notched, or blurred edges. A mole has a smooth, well-defined edge.

Color: The pigmentation of a melanoma is often not uniform, with more than one shade of brown, tan, or black. Moles are usually a single shade of brown

Diameter: A melanoma is usually larger than a mole, continues to grow and is often at least the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm, or 1/4 inch, in diameter).

Evolving: Change in size, shape and color shade.

Types of Melanoma

Melanomas are described according to their appearance and behavior. Those that start off as flat patches (i.e. have a horizontal growth phase) include:
Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM)Lentigo malignant melanoma (sun damaged skin of face, scalp and neck)Acral lentiginous melanoma (on soles of feet, palms of hands or under the nails - under the nails is called subungual melanoma)

Melanoma skin cancers tend to grow slowly, but at any time, they may begin to thicken or develop a nodule. When this happens they progress to a vertical growth phase.

Melanomas that grow quickly, involving deeper tissues, include:
Nodular melanoma (presenting as a rapidly enlarging lump)Mucosal melanoma (arising on lips, eyelids, vulva, penis, anus)Desmoplastic melanoma (fibrous tumour with a tendency to grow down nerves) Melanoma may present in combinations e.g. nodular melanoma developing within a superficial spreading melanoma.

Treatment of Melanoma

Usual protocol for the treatment of melanoma is:

Biopsy to confirm.

Surgical removal with wide margins encompassing healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.

Surgical removal of lymph nodes if their involvement is suspected.

There are natural options. I have used them and seen them used on many people. The natural treatment of melanoma and other skin cancer is viable and effective. I have written a book outlining my experiences of using a herbal paste with bloodroot as one of the main ingredients. I do not sell a product, I merely present the information so that people have a source of information and can be self-informed enough to have the confidence to make their own decision.

From my own experiences and also from seeing the results on other people I can assure you that these herbs work and they work profoundly.

I hope the researched information as well as the personal experiences in my e-book may be of assistance to anyone searching for natural methods of treatment for skin cancer.

My e-book is called "How to treat Skin Cancer Naturally". Click on the link below to find out more about the book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: I am a qualified medical herbalist and have studied the use of herbs for the treatment of skin cancer in depth. My e-book "How to Treat Skin Cancer Naturally" gives you the specific herbs to use for skin cancer.

What you get in this book:

- descriptions of the main skin cancers

- the possible risks of biopsy

- fully referenced and supported by scientific studies

- in depth case studies, including my own personal experience with a family member

- and I outline exactly how some important herbs work to kill skin cancer.

The e-book is available online at http://www.facebook.com/pages/How-To-Treat-Skin-Cancer-Naturally/161561697243708?sk=app_196198340429955

Copyright © Moira Elliott 2011

Original article