Early melanoma detection is one of the keys to survival. This type of cancer is actually very difficult to detect especially when the individual is not conscious of his or her body and what goes on in and around it. Since this disease is initially localized in the skin of a person, there are many different signs and manifestations that can help to bring awareness. It is important that the manifestations are detected early so that the possibility of survival is greater. The longer the disease is left untreated in the body, the lower the chances of survival.
Signs and Manifestations:
There are many different signs, which can be the basis for melanoma detection. One of the most glaring sign is the appearance of a new mole in the body of an adult or an older child. While it is possible that children develop moles as they grow, adults do not often develop them when they are already of age. Moles are different from liver spots and freckles, which are not elevated from the skin when they develop. It is important to be aware of the state of the new arrival when it is noticed. Old moles may also turn to malignant ones when they grow rapidly. Some of the manifestations that a mole may be dangerous include, but is not limited to, the asymmetry of the growth, irregular borders, different colors, the size and development of the growth. Most ordinary moles are circular while growths of this nature may have asymmetric shapes.
Early melanoma detection can also be based on the sides of the mole. If it has irregular borders, it is vital to bring it to the attention of a specialist of the field. The colors of the growth should also be watched. If one comes in different shades of black or brown then this can be taken as a sign that it may be a malignant growth. The size of the mole should also be considered. Whether it is an old or new one, if it is bigger than 6mm all around or in the sides, then it should be shown to a specialist for a professional diagnosis or opinion. The growth and development should also be monitored. Fast growing ones that change in size and color in just a few months should be a warning of possible malignant growth. Elevated moles that grow fast and are discolored should be brought immediately to the attention of an oncologist.
Resolution:
After early melanoma detection has been done, oncologists will need to let the patient know of the state of her skin and the mole. Smaller growths that have not penetrated into the blood vessels should be taken out immediately to prevent their spread. The operation is easy and quick, resulting to favorable odds since small growths do not usually penetrate to the blood vessels yet. Patients with growths that may have evolved quickly and penetrated into the blood vessels will need to undergo chemotherapy or similar processes after taking out the growth. This will lower the risk of a recurrence.
