| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Melanoma Information
Malignant melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in the pigment-producing cells of the deep layers of the skin. Nearly half of all melanoma cases originate in moles. If not treated in the early stage, melanoma can travel through the blood stream and lymphatic vessels, resulting in death. There are four types of melanoma:
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type. The lesion usually starts as a flat mole on the lower legs or upper back, then develops a raised, irregular surface. As it grows, the moles edges become irregular and asymmetrical.
Acral lentiginous melanoma is most common in people of Asian and African descent. The lesions have flat, dark brown areas with lumpy portions that are brown-black or blue-black in color.
Lentigo maligna melanoma is more common in women than men. It occurs on the face, neck, ears and other areas exposed to the sun. This type usually occurs before age 50.
Nodular melanoma is more common in men and attacks the underlying tissue without first spreading to the skin surface. The lesions resemble blood blisters and vary in color from white to blue-black. Nodular melanoma often metastasizes faster than other types of melanoma. Melanoma tends to progress through four different stages:
Stage One -- The cancer is found in the top of the inner layer of skin but has not spread.
Stage Two -- The cancer has spread into the inner layer of skin but not into the lymph nodes.
Stage Three -- The tumor has spread to body tissue beneath the skins outer layer and inner layers. The cancer may have also spread to the lymph nodes near the tumor.
Stage Four -- The cancer has spread to other parts of the body away from the original site of the melanoma.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Melanoma
Overexposure to the sun is the most common cause of malignant melanoma. Peoplw who have had severe, blistering sunburns in childhood are twice as likely to develop melanoma. Those with blonde or red hair, blue eyes and light skin are at the greatest risk for melanoma. People in some families are at a higher risk of developing melanoma due to their predisposition to developing odd, irregularly-shaped moles called dysplastic nevi. Melanoma can also appear in the form of a new mole. In men, these new moles tend to develop anywhere from the neck to the waist; women develop them most commonly on the arms and legs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Melanoma
Early signs of melanoma include a change in size or appearance of a mole or other skin growth. People concerned with melanoma should use the ABCD method to consider whether a mole is suspicious:
Asymmetry -- one side of the mole does not mirror the other side.
Border Irregularity -- the edges are jagged, blurred or notched.
Color -- the color of the mole is irregular. Shades of tan, black and brown are present; flecks of white and red add to a mottled appearance.
Diameter -- the mole is 6 mm, roughly the size of a pencil eraser. Any mole growth is a concern.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Melanoma
The primary risk factor of melanoma is UV sun exposure, especially in childhood. Always wear sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher whenever sun exposure is possible. Wear protective clothing, including long pants, long sleeved shirts and hats, when in the sun. Stay out of the sun during peak sun times (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Avoid getting a suntan and do not use tanning beds. Check skin regularly for new moles or changes in existing moles. Remember, melanoma can be cured if caught early. If melanoma is suspected, see a doctor at once.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Coenzyme Q10 and DMG improve cellular oxygenization.
Essential Fatty Acids are good for cellular protection.
Garlic enhances immune function.
Histidine increases the skins immunity to sun damage.
Quercetin is a natural antioxidant.
Selenium is a powerful free radical scavenger.
SOD and Vitamin A destroy free radicals.
Vitamin B Complex is necessary for normal cell division and function.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids is a powerful anti-cancer agent.
Vitamin E promotes healing and tissue repair.
Alfalfa, Dandelion Root and Horsetail are good for tissue repair.
Astralgus boosts the immune system and generates anticancer cells in the body.
Burdock Root and Red Clover cleanse the blood and lymph nodes.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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