Melanoma
Melanoma is a malignancy of the skin. It's the fastest growing cancer in America today. It is caused by excessive sun exposure combined with a genetic disposition towards this type of cancer.
Those with 20 or moles on their body are more likely to get melanoma. Melanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer. It can double in size in less than one month. Anyone with a suspicious looking mole should have it checked by a physician. The ABC method is a handy reference tool when remembering the 4 characteristics of a mole which may be malignant. They are Asymmetry, bleeding, color variations within the mole and its diameter. Moles that are more than 1cm in diameter should be routinely checked. If melanoma is caught early, prognosis is good. Once it becomes invasive, however, 80% of patients die within 5 years. Unfortunately melanomas do not respond well to chemotherapy or radiation.
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