Cancer and Healthy

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. While melanoma usually appears on the body as a new mole, it can occur in old moles or anywhere on the skin. It is one of the most common cancers in young adults. Melanoma is very serious and often times life threatening. Once a doctor has confirmed you have melanoma there are many different steps to take to try to treat it. Make sure you talk to your doctor about all of the options available to determine which option is best for you and your skin.

There are several ways in which melanoma can be treated. Surgery is usually the first step taken by doctors in hopes of treating the skin cancer. The most common surgery used is called excisional surgery. This procedure removes the tumor along with a very small amount of tissue. The surgically removed specimen is then sent to a laboratory where it is examined further to determine if the cancerous cells have spread or if they were all successfully removed. In very bad instances, amputation of a finger or toe can occur if melanoma is present in those extremities.

Chemotherapy is also used to treat melanoma. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals to try and stop cancerous cells from growing any larger and dividing. More than half of all people diagnosed with any type of cancer will try chemotherapy at some point . The chemotherapy used to treat melanoma can be given through injections or taken orally. Chemotherapy has a wide range of side effects from losing your hair to developing gastrointestinal problems.

Immunotherapy is another treatment used to treat melanoma. In this treatment, the patient's immune system is used to recognize and destroy the harmful cells. This will improve the individual's own defenses against the cancer. Immunotherapy is rarely used alone to combat any type of cancer. Doctors use it in conjunction with another form of therapy called combination therapy. Many doctors believe that combination therapy is much more effective in the treatment of melanoma. Research has proven that side effects of other therapies can be greatly reduced by using immunotherapy.

If the melanoma is wide spread or has returned, radiation may be used to treat it. If the skin cancer has spread to your bones or brain, radiation will not cure your cancer but will bring you relief. Radiation therapy is typically done in small amounts over a period of 2-8 weeks because the normal cells in your body need time to be able to repair themselves.

Lastly, the most important part of the treatment of your melanoma is to be sure and follow your doctor's orders when it comes to regular checkups and follow up appointments. Melanoma can return at any time as well as new melanomas may develop on your skin. And always remember that the earlier you detect the skin cancer and the quicker you treat it, the better chance at living a normal, cancer free life you will have.