Lifestyle factors such as circadian rhythm disruption, smoking, alcohol, fatty acids, dietary fiber, obesity, and ultraviolet light are associated with the risk of cutaneous malignancies, malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests the role of nutritional factors in the prevention and management of melanoma. Studies have demonstrated the impact of dietary attitudes, specific foods, and nutrients on the risk for melanoma and on the progression of the disease.
A high anti-inflammatory diet score (≥ 8 anti-inflammatory dietary items) was associated with a decreased risk of cutaneous melanoma. Improvements in lifestyle behaviors to reduce cancer risks include a healthy diet, calorie restriction, and regular physical activity. A large study published Wednesday found a surprising link between fish consumption and developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Around 1 in 10 people with melanoma have a family history of the disease. The increased risk might be because of a shared family lifestyle of frequent sun exposure, a family tendency to have lighter skin tone, certain lifestyle factors, and certain lifestyles.
Tobacco is related to several skin diseases, but has no significant influence on an increased melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or other skin cancers. Lifestyle recommendations for melanoma prevention include regularly using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and limiting time outdoors during the hours of 10 AM to 2 PM. Quitting smoking can hinder recovery from skin cancer treatment and surgery and possibly affect immunological response.
Your risk of developing melanoma depends on many factors, including lifestyle factors and some medical conditions. In the UK, too much ultraviolet radiation can increase the risk of melanoma. Limiting exposure to UV light can help reduce the risk of melanoma, especially in people under 40.
📹 Skin Cancer: How to spot melanoma warning signs
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce skin color. The American Academy of Dermatology says …
Do healthy people get melanoma?
Skin cancer is a common health issue, but individuals with certain characteristics, such as lighter skin color, skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun, are at a higher risk. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is essential to make sun protection an everyday habit. Most people get at least some UV exposure from the sun when spending time outdoors, and reducing this exposure can help maintain skin health and reduce the risk of future skin cancer.
What are lifestyle choices?
Lifestyle choices are personal decisions that can increase or decrease the risk of injury or disease. Healthy habits can lead to a longer, happier life and lower the risk of chronic illness. However, making healthier choices can be challenging due to temptations and distractions. MyClinic offers a range of professionals to help individuals achieve their goals, including doctors, nurses, staff, and allied health professionals, to provide holistic care and support. By focusing on making healthier choices, individuals can lead healthier, happier lives.
What causes melanoma?
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is primarily emitted by the sun and sunbeds. It is more prevalent in individuals of advanced age, though cases have been documented in younger subjects as well. The following factors have been identified as potential contributors to an increased risk of developing melanoma: pale skin that is easily sunburned, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes, a high number of freckles or moles, frequent sun exposure, use of tanning beds, and a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of melanoma.
Can you live a full life with melanoma?
A favorable prognosis indicates a high probability of survival and a potential for a cure in a cancer patient. However, if the cancer is difficult to control, the prognosis may be less favorable, potentially resulting in a reduction of life expectancy. It is imperative to recognize that a prognosis represents an estimation rather than a definitive assurance, and that no medical practitioner can claim absolute certainty regarding the eventual outcome.
Does lifestyle affect skin?
Poor diet can lead to skin damage, including sunken and sagging skin, blemishes, and worsening acne. Insufficient protein and omega-3 oils can reduce collagen and elastin production, while sugary and high-fat diets can cause blemishes and acne. Lack of vitamins and poor water intake can also negatively impact skin health. Poor sleep can cause inadequate cellular repair, leading to dehydrated skin, altered pH, redness, breakouts, and pigmentation.
Stress and anxiety can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting skin oil production and causing clogged pores and worse acne. Increased inflammation can also lead to aggravated psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, hives, and rashes. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and manage stress to maintain healthy skin.
Is cancer a lifestyle related disease?
Cancer is a chronic metabolic disease. Prevention strategies are therefore focused on lifestyle factors that may influence other related diseases, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease.
What are 3 ways to prevent melanoma?
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is essential to practice sun safety by staying in the shade, wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, wearing sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Most skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage skin cells.
Sun protection is crucial all year round, as UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days and reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays are strongest from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. daylight saving time.
Is there a special diet for melanoma?
Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables daily for antioxidant benefits, including a minimum of 5 servings of whole fruits and vegetables. Choose healthy fat sources like baked, broiled, or grilled foods, and limit sweets and added sugars. Avoid fried, greasy, and fatty foods, and opt for baked, broiled, or grilled options. Limit sweets and added sugars to ensure a balanced diet and fight against cancer.
What are the lifestyle choices related to cancer?
Cancer risk factors include age, lifestyle factors like smoking, weight, diet, and sun exposure, as well as environmental and workplace exposure to carcinogens. The risk from carcinogens can vary depending on the amount and duration of exposure. It can take years for cancer to develop, and some people still develop it due to jobs done long ago without better health-and-safety laws. Exposure to carcinogens can also increase the risk of developing cancer.
What is life like for people with melanoma?
Skin cancer can significantly impact a person’s lifestyle, causing feelings of numbness, anxiety, worry, helplessness, and guilt. These emotions are normal and can be processed over time. Patients with skin cancer often face new challenges, especially if they are concerned about recurrence or the cancer in their loved ones. Some treatments carry a risk of scarring, so learning to live with a new scar may be a priority. Additional lifestyle changes may include spending less time in the sun, wearing more sunscreen, and spending more time with friends and supporters.
What are the lifestyle factors of skin cancer?
Melanoma is a skin cancer that is more common in men in Australia and New Zealand. It is more common in older individuals, with a fair complexion, blue or green eyes, and blonde or red hair. Other risk factors include unprotected exposure to sunlight, a history of sunburns, large or small moles, family history of unusual moles or melanoma, personal history of skin cancer, xeroderma pigmentosum, exposure to environmental factors like radiation and chemicals, weakened immune system from disease or side effects of medicines, age, and being male. Lifestyle factors and primary prevention of cancer are crucial for reducing the risk of melanoma.
📹 Is It A Mole or Melanoma? This Might Save Your Life! | Dermatologist Tips
Is that spot on your skin a normal mole…or is it a deadly Melanoma? Watch this video to learn the difference! It just might save …
I’ve had eight moles removed. I worked in the field. I had one mole left, light, flat, symmetrical. One day I noticed that that mole had turned black overnight. I had to convince my dermatologist to take it out. It was a melanoma: black, round, flat. Nothing incongruous except that my eyes knew it was a melanoma. So, follow your instinct. You know your body better than a doctor.
My melanoma was pink. Also had squamous cell carsanoma hidden in a wrinkle on my neck. I am a boomer that soaked up the sun since the 60s. No sunscreen back then but i’d love to do it all over and never lay in the sun. 73 years old and go to dermatologist every three months.please take care of your skin. You will regret it if you don’t
I had malignant Melanoma at age 33, one of the symptoms I had was the never ending itching. As soon as I had surgery the itching stopped. Since then I’ve had many other skin cancers removed, the last two just a few months ago, one in September and one in March, they were both Squamous cell, both malignant. I’m almost 81, my skin cancer battle has been going on for the past 47 years. I’ve had so many skin cancers that I can now predict which spot is cancerous, just not able to say which type of cancer it is. I’ve also had skin cancers that look like eczema, but are indeed skin cancer. I have not seen a dermatologist in 47 years that has not frozen off pre cancerous spots or done biopsies on spots. I have never had a tan, only sunburns as a young child playing in a creek. There was no such thing as sun screen way back then. The sun is not good for one’s skin!
I just had an dysplastic nevus or atypical mole removed from my shoulder. It would have bevome melanoma if not treated. I went in for concern of a different mole that turned out to be ok. Lol. What i will say is this. Be prepared for pain once those lidocane shots wear off. Yeah they numb you really well but then it wears off. They did my 8 mm punch biopsy waited two weeks took out those sitiches out. Then i got excized with a 4 inch incision because there were still cells after the biopsy. So gained 24 stitches total. Glad thats over. Hats sunglasses sunscreen and clothing folks. Take care of your skin.
NB:The ABCDE’s pertain to melanoma skin cancers ONLY. However, I had an innocent and unchanging tiny 4 mm symmetric circular painful spot for a year on my back that turned out to be dangerous squamous cell carcinoma. Family doctors and even dermatologists miss many or most, which is why a friend of mine died a slow, gruesome death when her doctor dismissed it. Always DEMAND a biopsy, it’s the only way dermatologists can tell.
How about explaining what you want to see and show it !!! Instead of showing diseased cells that one is supposed to interpret as undesirable while you describe what you want to see that would be healthy. Not one word from you saying, this is NOT what we’re describing. This is the opposite. Communication is key…I’m sure you know that. Your message isn’t sent properly.
SKIN CANCER CURE !! slice a clove or garlic in half. Rub the garlic oil from the garlic onto the skin cancer. Do this every day for 2 weeks and the skin cancer will be GONE !!!! it works. if you post this type of article on youtube they will remove it immediately. The garlic does sting a little bit when you rub it on, you’ll get used to it.
I’ve shown this stuff to drs. & they dismiss it calling them Age Spots and do nothing. Always wear long sleaves & clothing that when held up to the light, you cannot see through it. If you can, it’s no good. The sun will burn you right through them. The thing is getting a knowledgeable Dr. that will treat it.
Just to let you know, I discovered a mole on my scalp that I am certain was melanoma, I got rid of it by first applying a couple drops of tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil and putting it on there then let it dry before applying mixed epsom salt and water and brought that to a boil to form a paste and then applied that on it while still hot and covered it with a band aid twice a day and it was gone within 9 weeks! (you can just set a portion aside after it hardens and use it again day after day by just warming it up on the stove and adding a bit of water to it), it was a darkish glowing black color, it had a lump underneath about half the size of a dime and had been there for about two years but I didn’t notice it as it was behind my ear. I also eliminated all sugar and meats except for fish and replaced my morning breakfast with hummus on toast but these days I would look into couscous instead, very nutritious and no sugar!.. Also drink lots of water and get your vitamin c from fruits, and drink carrot and celery juice every day! In re. to couscous, it is excellent in the morning with a mix of chopped fried red peppers, red cabbage, garlic, onions, carrots and green peas adding curry powder and a bit of red chili powder! Very filling and tasty with a glass of orange juice! I am not a doctor but I can tell you that switching your diet to salads for breakfast, lunch and dinner instead of cooked foods will also greatly improve your chances of recovery! Its what I ate through out the time I had it, it was a very black glowing looking mole and its still gone today two years later!
My personal experience: 6 months MINIMUM for a new patient to get in to see a dermatologist. Have more than ONE mole to be checked out? Oh, THAT requires additional appointments and that will be, yep, in 6 months. Did I make the appointment? Yes, but then the office called a few days before and had to reschedule for…..6 months later. Real life is NOT “oh, and go see your doctor with any concerns”. The wait for the appointment to be seen is what may actually kill you.
In my case it was a freckle on my chest, just above my left breast. I woke up one morning and had scratched raw and I called my dr. He saw me immediately. In undertaking he surface “itch” I couldn’t get to. He sent me immediately that afternoon for a biopsy and I was checked over for any other suspect areas and 3 places were found and also tested. I had stage 4 melanoma and had surgery on the area of my chest to remove it in 2000. I chose no chemo or radiation and to treat my body with food as my medicine. I dont drink or smoke cigarettes and 22 years later here I am. Blessed.
I thought for sure that some of my moles, due to the weird looks of some, would be one of the skin cancer. I scared myself into avoiding a dermatologist for years. I made myself nervous worrying about it all the time. I finally said I have to see a dermatologist. I went and found out I have several skin conditions, but no cancers. I will continue to see my dermatologist every year. It’s definitely worth the peace of mind.
Have ANY spot that you feel weird about checked by a dermatologist. I listened to Fran Drescher and my gut and got a weird spot checked out by a dermatologist. Turns out it was Merkel cell carcinoma, 5 times more deadly than melanoma, but I caught it in stage 1 and am fine 5 years later. Please check out anything on your skin that you find disturbing!
This article is very informative but also a Petri dish of paranoia for hypochondriacs like me lol. My ultimate takeaway is to be vigilant in tracking changes and also get regular examinations. And have partners or relatives look in places that are hard to see. I am laden with moles, mostly on my back but all over, really. Have had many since birth. Have probably had 20 removed in my life, and I’m 33. Recently I started getting concerned, as, being very hairy, once I shaved my back it became clear how many were concealed, and some looked atypical. I paid out of pocket to the tune of $3,000 (on a Care Credit payment plan) to have 12 shaved and biopsied, which is a veritable steal in Los Angeles. My dermatologist seemed surprised that I wanted so many taken off, as none concerned him. To my pleasant surprise, all came back benign and none atypical, and I’ve got probably and other 5-6 that I will want removed soon. The American insurance system probably kills many people because they refuse coverage for “cosmetic” procedures and those who can’t afford treatment and push off preventative care until something reaches a terminal state. To that extent, I also had a lipoma removed from my back 3 years ago for $600 out of pocket, as PPO insurance wouldn’t cover that either.
My daughter was recently diagnosed with melanoma of the vulva. She was treated for sometime for UTI and then probable infection of Bartholins. By the time she was diagnosed it was huge, and metastasized to lymph glands. Now invading the rectum and vagina. Be aware that you can have melanoma of the mucous membranes, rare but possible.
I had a mole on my lower left leg for over 20 years and brought it up every time I went to the doctor – was told it was an innocent nevus. in late 2015 I noticed that the mole was changing – in around march 2016 I brought it up to my doctor again and she referred me to a dermatologist. The dermatologist immediately recognized that it was cancer and did a biopsy. I was fortunate that the biopsy showed that it was a stage 1A (stage 0 would have been better) considering the length of time I had the mole. I had a wide local excision and am now considered cured. I see a dermatologist every year for a skin check and I see my cancer doctors every year now.
My Stage II Invasive Melanoma on my shin didn’t meet any of of the normal visual criteria, which is why it took me a long time to get it checked out. It was tiny, about the size of the lead in a pencil, and was perfectly round and even in color. It started to itch occasionally and developed a faint red halo. My grandma kept insisting I get it checked out and my dermatologist promptly biopsied it and then I was back for re-excision surgery within two weeks, left with 14 stitches and a 4″ scar. I was only 25.
It was very helpful information. I was so confused with things popping up on my skin head to toe after I past my 40s. Now I am on my late 50s. It is time for me to pay extra attention and go check on with the Dermatologist. I have lots of early thin melanomas on me .Thank you so much Doctor as always. Eye opening information to everyone with these issues.🙏❤️💐
As an African American woman, when my skin started changing, I started freaking out. Their all over my skin and on the bottom of my feet. I have Atopic Dermatitis, skin cancer, lupus and a host of other things. So, I decided not to worry so much. With me it’s easy to see them, brown, white and red spots that change over time to brown. I have figured out one thing, all women of every walk of life, have more things happen to them, than men do. The information she gave was more than my primary gave. I had to request a Referral to a Dermatologist, many times and then when I finally went, the dermatologist found my Lupus in one Biopsy, as my Oncology doctor, found my precancerous. Same doctor(primary), 20 years, the other specialist found what they were looking in the second visit. Make sure you keep check of yourself, nobody else will.
Well I’m confused… I guess we are all doomed… I’ve been to rather terrible dermatologist, I guess I’ll have to search for a good one. My uncle did find something on his arm many years ago. He decided to get it checked out because the itching was intense. It was a very light small bump on his skin. It was skin cancer, prob a very treatable kind or at a very early stage. But had that not itch he may not have bothered. He’s ok, prob been 20 yrs now.
You saved my life with this article…Had a spot of concern forgot to have pc look at it in March. Saw this article sent a email about the concerning spot right away. Saw the Dermatologist last week. She did a biopsy got my results yesterday. It was SCC (not melanoma). I was just going to wait another year for my next annual. Thank You!
I have always had a weird mole on my head in my hair. But over the last year or so it has changed in shape and gotten larger. I asked a doctor to check it out.he looked at it and said it’s fine. Hew as just a regular clinic doctor. After seeing this I’m going to get a second opinion and insist on a referral to a dermatologist. Thank you
Thank you so much for this information. It really helped Doctor. I have had Melanoma already and was treated. You better believe that I will be paying more attention to my skin and keeping my regular dermatology appointments. P.S. Another thing people need to remember. What is the largest organ in your body. Your skin. Some people don’t realize that. Everyone take care.
I am worried about the moles I cannot see, on my back. I went to the surgery, and the specialist there said my moles were ok but he noticed some large irregular blemishes on my face and said they looked like melanoma. I got an emergency appointment with a dermatologist who said they were ok, just long term sun damage, but I should keep an eye on them for any change. Not long after I got a lump somewhere where the sun doesn’t shine, somewhat embarrassing to show the GP, but fortunately that turned out to be benign and temporary.
Also should point out that melanoma should be biopsied by dermatologist who knows what they are doing because keep in mind staging is based on depth and if they don’t get it all then pathology will have a hell of a time determining staging which then is info used to see if you need sentinal lymph nodes biopsied.
I’m scared now! I have a weird mole that popped up on my chest about 6 months ago. I thought about getting it checked, but when I glanced at websites for dermatologists near me, to try finding one, they all seemed so focused on cosmetic treatments and I got discouraged. It’s almost like your whole profession is relegated to being purely superficial sometimes, but I do recognize there is a lot of super important treatment that can come from your field. I need to find a dermatologist, STAT! Thanks for the reminder.
This is an excellent article, very informative and easy for the layman to understand. I practice aesthetic medicine however, I do not biopsy any lesions instead I sned them to a local derm group. Last year I found an amelanotic melanoma, much to my surprise. I thought it was a SCC and the dermatologist called me to congratulate me on the find. I replied I didnt realize melanomas can lack melanin,
The not healing and regrowing are clues I look for! I have had 3 different types of skin cancer, all early, one was melanoma. It is scary. I am very lucky that my regular md did a biopsy on a spot I thought was cancer( he did not!). It was cancerous and I was able to remove it with efudex. I would have had to wait a long time to see my dermatologist!
Am currently in the process of getting a series of moles removed on my back by a deternatologist. Went for 1 that had been bugging me for years and ending up getting more removed as an ongoing process. Found one by accident that turns out is high risk of turning cancerous and will be burned out in a couple of weeks.
Would you say, as a general rule, should all moles/growths that fit the ABCD criteria be biopsied? I have a couple concerning areas that have all the ABCD characteristics. But twice now, two different dermatologists have said they were not anything “of concern”. I’m an RN so I understand the ABCD criteria.
Thank you for sharing this very important topic. I had skin cancer and it wasn’t a mole, it was what looked like a pimple, when I mentioned to my dermatologist if I dry that area to vigorously it will bleed, he immediately took a biopsy. We hear so much about a mole that changes in color we don’t think of other signs.
I went in for a skin check because I’m very freckled and I had a few moles that I wanted to be looked at as well as a white nickel sized spot I had on my chest. She took a biopsy and it was melanoma!! I always thought melanoma would be dark. I’m so thankful I finally listened to my dad and had it checked out!!
Accidentally found a new mole in January, saw my doctor who didn’t think was a mole, he tried other options and nothing changed but the mole got a lil darker. I found it looking at a bug bite on my butt as it hurt and wanted to check what it was, when I bent over to look I saw a dark mark at the top hidden between my cheeks. It had a darker centre and was not symmetrical or round, I had 2 biopsies taken from it last week. Now in the 2week wait to see what it is, I’m 32 and very pale skin. I also live in NZ so the sun burn is horrific
My melanoma was amelanotic…had no color and just looked like a bump. One practice said it was nothing. 6 months later, another practice said “I don’t know what that is; we should biopsy it.” Thank the Lord for her! Stage two. When I brought up the first diagnosis with the other practice, she said most docs only see about one a year and don’t expect them. Lesson learned: get all bumps checked/biopsied.
I have a weird dark/brown spot with irregular shape on my face. I asked my PCP and she just asked me to go to the hospital for a picture appointment of my mole. When I followed up with her she said the dermatologist asked me to have a picture taken of my mole after 6 months! I don’t understand why she didn’t refer me to a dermatologist. I just went ahead and go to a local dermatology in my area and had to pay out of pocket which is $150.00 for consultation plus $150.00 for biopsy and $60.00 for pathology reading. i have my biopsy this Thursday. I hope its not melanoma.
My husband’s body is covered with moles. To me some of them look abnormal and he’s 48. His father had a basal cell cancer removed and his mother died of ovarian cancer. Sadly, he rarely wears sunscreen and doesn’t like going to doctors. Do you have any advice for convincing him to begin seeing a dermatologist? I will try to get him to watch your article, it was very good.
I have a pencil eraser-sized mole in front of my left ear. It’s been there all my life. Last night, I touched it and noticed something wet. It bled from a tiny pimple-looking thing for a minute and stopped. I put alcohol and triple ointment on it and it has not bled, nor can I get any blood from it with gentle pressure. It is soft, but perhaps a bit rounder. It is pink like all my many moles. I am 69. In the past I’ve had a mole get infected, eject pus, get a little large and then get better and back to normal. I assumed this is the same experience. It won’t bleed again on day 2, and a dermatologist somewhere on Youtube said it should bleed for two weeks before any concern is warranted.
I have a mole thats a bit raised, i had it ever since i was a little kid it was a dark brown i picked it off because i was dumb. But it grew back, same color but now i realized in my adult years that it turned a very light pink now if you shine a light on it. I also have a mole, its flat, brown, kinda oval shaped an i think slightly bigger then pencil tip eraser on the left side of my chest on the left side. I think its just age spot, but i can’t remember when i first got it since its been many years, i never had any of the symptoms but i feel like i should get it checked out just to be on the safe side. But present day, i found a very tiny spot on the right side of my chest but its near the n*pple its barely noticeable.
And now you made me worried for my 3 moles, one that is large (upper limit of what you said, still in but barely), one that is white(ish), and one that has two shades of brown in it… But then again I’ve had them all since early childhood (3-9 years) and the two-shade one matches my dad’s birthmark. So idk.
Greetings from Greece. I always enjoy your articles. Very informative! I have a request.. Can you make a article on rosacea?? What serums,moisturizers, cleansers we must use,what ingredients should or shouldn’t use. I recently developed rosacea due to harsh cleansers and acids in my effort to control my oily skin!!! It would be so much helpful!!
14 years ago when i got pregnant all my moles started growing..1 of these moles (already big) is problamatic. In the past month i got 7 new moles -4 in my face..going to a doctor however is mission impossible over here in sunny south africa. I already have 6 moles in my face neck and head which causes so much embarrassment..now with 4 new ones in my face. I’m sad. If you read this. Please go and check your skin.
I had nodular cancer on my big toe for over a year I was treated for non healing wound with antibiotics dressings etc. I had a biopsy yes it was cancer I had to have amputation of big toe. Pain was horrendous that was six years ago also because of antibiotics I now have immune illnesses but now got to have some moles checked as some are itchy scabbing crusty so back to doctors
Thanks for the article. I had a melanoma removed in November, then a excisions a few weeks after. I saw a weird black spot that started to become irregular. I was blessed because my doctor told me to go to derm and I got the biopsy next day. Call around to various doctors. Some I would have had to wait months. I am now six months out and clear. Will go every six months now for exams from My derm. When in doubt check it out.
If only!!! Do doctors have any concept of what its like for patients? Wait a week or two to see your GP, then if your lucky you get referred. A month later you get an appointment letter for two or three months time. Then you get a cancellation letter telling you to confirm a new appointment. It’s a postcode lottery. We need walk in dermatology clinics for triage.
My dr told me mark on my nose was ok but i should get some marks on my back checked so got a referral to skin clinic. Went there and they told me my bak was ok so i tokd them about the mark on my nose and they checked it out. It was the stage before skin cancer so they treated it directly. Lucky i have some knowledge as a beautician and remembered the studies of changes to look after.
I think I have melanoma… I’ve seen a gynecologist for my mole and they said it was nothing. A year later it’s changed in size and colour. It’s in the shape of an upside down heart that’s brown with black dots, not symmetrical and it appeared in my bikini area… I have an appointment with my doctor at the end of the month to be re checked, hopefully I get referred to a dermatologist. I feel like It’s not talked about enough compared to other cancers.
So i noticed a spot on the back of my hand a couple months ago. (I’m 54 by the way. ) It looks to me just like the pic shown at 7:17 on this article. Says its an amelanotic melanoma. I’ve managed to keep myself outta the healthcare system my whole life. Don’t have a doctor. Never had insurance. Can’t afford it. Don’t wanna be a “patient”. So when i saw this article iwas like wow i need to have this looked at. So i googled Dermatologist near me. Found one that had good reviews and gave them a call. they said it would be 3 months till i could get in to see them. So i scheduled an appointment. After a month or so i get a call from them saying they had a cancellation and could i make it in the next day. I said sure, and was glad to be being seen 2 months earlier than expected. I told them i didnt have insurance and would be paying outta pocket. Iasked how much was the visit gonna cost. They said between $140 – $200. And if they needed to take a biopsy it would be another $200 roughly. Well i aint got that kinda money laying around so i had to ask my father to pay for it. He is a good dude and has the money so not a problem. So i go the next day, a little nervous, but not too bad. So the Dermatologist comes in and she is young. Like 25 or so. i’m guessing. She says show me the mark your concerned about. It is on the back of my right hand. She asks if it hurts or is itchy or bleeds and i said nope. She leans over and takes a look at it through a magnafying glass. Ok thats weird, but what do i know.
Hi, I find surprising that number of different possible colors. Is there a correlation between colors and “subtypes” of melanomias ? (for instance, I know (from my dermatologist) that carcinome has two subtypes, one does not broadcast metastases, the other one might sometimes (10/15%) do so. In French the first is called “basophile”, the latter “eosinophile”, I don’t know the exact English names, that I nevertheless guess quite close to the French ones).
I had a melanoma removed years ago as it was a mole on top of my birth mark that started bleeding. I’m covered in moles all different shapes and sizes and textures. Most of mine are not symmetrical and so have jaggy edges but my GP said they are normal as they have always been like that. This confuses me as I really can’t identify ones of concern unless symptomatic as they all look ‘not normal.’ Actually getting a GP appointment nowadays is near impossible in Scotland. 😢
Melanomia is the “mole”! Putin put her in the “Honey Pot Department” of the FSB just before they set up Trumpski’s wedding to Putin’s most trusted deep cover infiltrator. She’s in limbo now, waiting for reassignment if Trumpski doesn’t lie his way out of 91 felonies and continues to fleece America,… Oh crap, I thought this was about the Russian FSB asset Melanomia! Whoops, gotta go!
I have a shiny yellow raised bump on rib cage, that appeared suddenly, i just thought it was a mole forming, 6 months later it went from changing colors every other day to red and yellow and vice versa, then just recently turned black and red, pretty sure it melanoma, and im making a Dr’s appointment, i pray it didnt spread to other parts
Melanoma is no joke. No one can tell if it is or is not without a biopsy. My incompetent PCP (most are incompetent – their real job is pumping up pharma profits) missed a dark melanoma Stage 2a on my head (which I could not see) for six months. Finally had it biopsied and Mohs. Also biopsied my lymph nodes. The surgeon botched that job so had to have it redone. That PCP almost killed me and may still do so if it comes back. Melanoma can kill you in six weeks.
All please take heed. Many years ago I had a very tiny place on the top of my foot – I thought it was a blood blister. I get regular skin checks – fair skinned redhead. During my skin check – I kept my sockets on- drs office is so cold. She started at my scalp- and when she got to my feet- took my socks off. She had on a forehead light with a magnifying glass. She asked me about the spot – I was dismissive of it-I know what to look for – A, B, etc. – and my tiny spot looked nothing like it-so I thought. My dr said on my way out make an appt. for a biopsy. I was shocked and said “are you saying you think its melanoma?”. She replied, “I think it looks very suspicious.”. Not words you want to hear. So I made appt and went home. I got my $5 magnifier – and sure enough that tiny little place had all the signs- i just couldn’t see with the naked eye. Asymmetrical, irregular border, various colors, etc. So, i was lucky- caught it very early- and learned a valuable lesson. If you wait until a mole is large enough so that you can see the signs – you’ll most likely have a poor diagnosis. Sadly, my cousin’s husband didn’t have a happy ending. They were playing a golf foursome one day. My cousin, her husband, their friend the doctor and his wife. After the game, the drs. wife was huggjng my cousin’s husband good bye- and she recoiled. She said your chest is wet- what is that? He said oh, I have a pimple or something on my chest. The dr. friend said – let’s walk over under that tree- and pull your shirt up.
Excellent article. I had a bump under my sideburn. I scratched it, it bled for awhile. Now it formed into a raised bump that looks like a mole. Its been like that for 2 or 3 months. No bleeding or change in color. Color looks black or dark brown. My question is, how long does a mole take to turn into cancer? Thanks.
I am 38 years old. I have notice that i have gotten alot of mole, and they are orange, sometimes it is itching and then i notice that is a mole that are orange, should adult get mole? In 2011 they took biopsi 2011 on thumb nail for melanoma, and it wasnt, but the dark under the nail is back. Should i go back? IS there symtoms in melanoma?
Recently, 3 moles appeared on my body, one below my eye, another on the top of my cheekbone and another on my hand, I didn’t have any of these moles until 2 months ago, suddenly I noticed the difference and I was scared, I went to the doctor and had a long consultation with 2 different specialists, an oncologist and a dermatologist, none of them were able to identify any threat in these moles, I became even more scared and kept observing, as they were sure that it was just a common mole, I didn’t need to return to the doctor, but I’m still a little suspicious.
I have trouble where I live finding a dermatologist who does full body exams. I have gotten recommendations from local people but when I go they only want to look at an area that I already have a concern. When I ask about it they say that no doctor has that kind of time anymore. Is there a website that lists dermatologists who still do full body exams?
Never trust your doctor. I have had numerous moles removed. They were always on the way to become malignant. I was lucky because I was working in an operating theater specialised in reconstructive surgery and skin cancers. Life went by and I was 65 when suddenly the only mole left on my body turned dark black almost overnight. The dermatologist I saw did not believe it was anything serious but because I was just recovering from a second breast cancer, and I was probably over worried, she performed a biopsy. Bingo it was a melanoma and I had to have an operation to be on the safe side.So trust your guts.
I have a mole on my outer left thigh 4mm (measure it with ruler). There was a time when it was occasionally itchy and sometimes it’s scaly but the it’s healed. Could it be sth else other than melanoma? Im in indonesia and we lack information on skin cancer. There 2 viral cases but they ended up bad. Im so scared. It’s been bugging me for months now
I wish there was information out there for the other type of skin cancer. Almost everyone knows to look out for moles but no one knows about the zit tgat doesn’t go away or leave a hole in your face if you try to get rid of it. There’s been some celebrities getting it but still not enough info is out there. I just had a friend with it and kept it so long tge damage that was left after they were done removing it was horrendous. She still lives with a scar and other annoying symptoms.
Looks like a pimple but is not and is not a mole is crazy but sticks out like a pimple or mole on where was cut as baby the foreskin at the area,what to do about that because looks like a mole and partner ask buy its my opinion and can send you picture in professional private please if need she will send it to you
I had what I thought was a mole that I knocked and was bleeding so saw the gp and he told me it was a wart and gave me antibiotics as leaking green fluid and bleeding all the time and referred to dermatologist who saw a month later and he has referred me to the hospital under the 2 week wait to be removed and tested for melanoma it is still leaking green fluid and bleeds easily and is big
2 weeks ago i found a 3mm a dark brown mole with ragged borders in between my toes (no other symptoms) sent the whole mole to biopsy the next morning. first pathologist looked at the sample with a horizontal cut and said its acral lentiginous melanoma in situ. my dermatologist still does not believe that to be true. so we sent the mole to 2nd pathologist. He made a vertical cut and says it is benign nevi and he sees nothing atypical. my dermatologist is going to discuss it with other doctors in a meeting. I would get safe margins ASAP for my peace of mind but, i can barely walk on the stitches and it is infected. plus im a teacher. and i think the mole has grown bcoz of the stressful new job & i’ve been sunbathing in the hot middays for two summers with 0 sunblock so I highly doubt it to be sth benign. idk what to do 🥺 would you help if i could somehow send you the slides?
My doctor told me that insurance companies are using the results of the biopsy to determine if they cover mole/spot removal. She said that if it is positive they pay, but if it is negative they say it is cosmetic surgery and refuse payment. Are you finding this? She didn’t want to remove moles I asked her about because of this. I’m covered in moles and my mom was just diagnosed with melanoma with a sore looking spot on her nose.
i hv a round red mole spot on my chest and ive had it a few years i think but now it has brown dots that i dont think were there before. im really scared and going to see a doctor about it soon but im scared tjat ive left it too long because its been there for a while but my mum said it was normal. im really scared
hoping you will write back. I am 33 I have green eyes, fair skin and strawberry blonde hair. I also have tonspf freckles, and a lot of moles all over. I’ve been doing some research online and I feel like I have some moles that are suspect! I am scared. I made an appointment with a dermatologist but can’t be seen until July 25th. is there anyway i can send u some photos of my moles? so that you can tell me if you think I really do need some of them checked ? I also have sunburned plenty of times in my life. and in my 20s there were a few periods of time where I got really into trying to get tan via tanning beds. I don’t anymore but I did in past. I have anxiety and it’s all I can think abt right now. I just keep googling and comparing myself to pics i see online.🥺
Very good article. However, my pet peeve is that ABCDE rule. It has some basic value, but it is a sort of DIY technique that can be incredibly inaccurate. A melanoma can be: A – Perfectly symmetrical in shape, form and color distribution. B – The border can be perfectly smooth and well defined. C – The color can literally be anything, and be uniform throughout. D – The diameter can be smaller than 5 mm (for this pneumonic) E – The evolution may be extremely slow, and the lesion does not grow bigger, lulling one I to believing it is not active. A much better clinical assessment is (a) taking proper history, (b) combined with dermoscopy. When any lesion (melanoma or not) can still not be diagnosed as benign after dermoscopy, the next step is either a punch biopsy or complete excision for histology. Bottom line: if you see anything new or changing, see your doctor.
I am 14 years of age and recently found a dark spot under my thighs on my skin. I’m unsure of what it is but I have to wait 2-3 months to get it checked because my parents have refused to take me to hospital I’ve been told that it probably isn’t much or I’m just overreacting but I’m worried for my health
Mine was a tiny red dot but it grew f-a-s-t. Got it very early and it was no big deal, just a skin scrape on my leg. This is a very important subjust, but I need to change the subject to other important subject that no one really talks about. HELP ! My mother is 98 years old and keeps getting UTIs. Older people wear alot of pads or diapers and they already have dry skin. I can’t help but feel a mild and small amount of moisturizer would cut back a little on the UTIs. Should I get her ky jelly ?????? I looked in the sex heath area at a store and got frightened that it might made things worse. Everything I’v read does not mention anything about older people and their dry private areas. She is all better now, but I want to prevent as much as possible.