Skin Cancer.com

Managing Mucositis

Clay Cockerell, MD — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:02:47 +0000

Mucositis can be a very troublesome and painful side effect of chemotherapy. Common symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal cramping or tenderness.

Does Lichen Planus indicate skin cancer?

linda harrison — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:48:24 +0000

I have oral lichen planus that is being treated with a local steroid. However, I am now getting dark red spots on my arms. Answer: No, lichen planus is not cancer and it is not a marker of cancer. It often does involve the mouth but also involves the skin. Rarely it can become cancerous [...]

Skin Cancer in Youth?

Madison Gifford — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:03:37 +0000

I have a mole on my lower ack. It has always been there (I think). It is not symmetrical, it’s slightly raised and larger them a pencil eraser. The color varies from dark brown to light brown. I know it will need to be removed. I will see a dermatologist soon but do you think [...]

Have you seen melanoma on genitalia?

Debbie Loope — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:34:51 +0000

My dad suffered a spontaneous bleed from his privates. The bleeding was stopped. We did not identify a lesion on the scrotum. The only indication was a very small pin hole area. The testicles were normal. Answer: Melanoma on the genitalia is very rare but other forms of skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma [...]

Dr. Clay Cockerell talks about Skin Cancer

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:44:34 +0000

How many cases of melanoma never appear or are never identified topically on the skin?

Debbie Loope — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:09:11 +0000

My father has spent over two years being scrapped, biopsied and treated for basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Last September he developed a mass below the lower right side of his jaw and neck. It was biopsied and pathology confirmed melanoma. It now has been three excisions and radiation to stop the mass from returning. [...]

New drug for advanced melanoma shrinks tumors

Clay Cockerell, MD — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:25:59 +0000

This is a very exciting development and follows the recent reports of ipulimumab having efficacy at least temporarily in treating patients with metastatic melanoma with BRAF mutations. These responses seem to be longer lasting at least in the initial studies. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and patients with widespread metastases essentially [...]

I have increasingly more and more spots on my back. I need info on what skin cancer looks like.

Leslie Vrabel — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:32:41 +0000

I’m 45 years old, and of course back in my younger days I never used sunscreen. Now I have brown spots all over the top of my back. They do not look like age spots that are on my hands and face. They are raised,and a dark brown in color. I need to know if [...]

Freckles, Moles And Skin Tags

Clay Cockerell, MD — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:45:07 +0000

Freckles, Moles And Skin TagsAug 16th, 2010 by RosieTanza. The difference between freckles, moles and skin tags. What to do if they look dangerous with the possibility of becoming cancerous. What Are Freckles? Freckles are brown spots that usually occur on the face and arms. They are more common during the summer and in people [...]

How much can I expect to pay for a full skin scan for damage and cancer?

Daniel Ferrari — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:27:29 +0000

I have heard this is available now. Having been exposed to the sun all my life, I would like to know if I have any skin problems. Answer: It varies from place to place but in general, this would be a routine office visit which generally runs about $100 or so. You should get a [...]

Skin Cancer Prevention iPhone App SunSafety Launched for iPhone by AppsolutelyiPhone | Press Releases @ Your Story

Clay Cockerell, MD — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:29:39 +0000

A new application for your iPhone has been developed by AppsolutelyiPhone. This is a great way to use technology to assure you are following proper measures to skin health. Skin Cancer Prevention iPhone App Launched for iPhone Boston based iphone App developers, AppsolutelyiPhone today launched their SunSafety for iPhone skin cancer prevention App. SunSafety provides [...]

How does diabetes effect someone who is diagnosed with skin cancer

patty sease — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:12:54 +0000

My dad was just diagnosed with skin cancer. I believe it is melanoma skin cancer. He has diabetes and has had several health issues in the last year or so. i was wondering how is diabetes is going to effect his cancer and how chemo will react to his other health issues if he chooses [...]

I Have Scabs On My Scalp, In My Hair

Clay Cockerell, MD — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:27:00 +0000

Question by S. Castor: I had facial shingles about one year ago. Is this something to worry about? Answer: Not necessarily as many healthy patients get shingles. However it can be sign of an underlying disorder so we usually recommend that all patients get evaluated by a doctor to make sure that there is no [...]

i have a dark gray mark on my right side of my chest

sue fowkes — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:23:54 +0000

I am 27 years old. About three years ago I found a dark gray mark on the right side of my chest just above my breast. I went to the hospital with it and they told me it was a melanoma. They said it was ok but I have not been seen since. It used to stick out but [...]

Today Show: New Skin Cancer Drug Proves Promising

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:59:47 +0000

Ipilimumab, a revolutionary and promising new treatment for melanoma, a type of skin cancer, has been receiving a lot of attention recently. Matt Lauer interviews Dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie about the drug and discusses what some are referring to as a miraculous melanoma treatment. Right at the end of the interview, Dr. Downie mentions finding [...]

Link Between Tanning Beds, Melanoma Grows Stronger – USATODAY.com

Clay Cockerell, MD — Fri, 28 May 2010 02:03:38 +0000

We’ve known for years that tanning and tanning beds promote the development of skin cancer and melanoma. This new study (see below) confirms those suspicions. Tanning beds are dangerous and are analogous to cigarette smoking. Tanning is also addicting and it is dangerous for young, unsupervised teens to be able to tan indiscriminately. We have [...]

I Have A Spot On The Side Of My Eye

Clay Cockerell, MD — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:37:52 +0000

Question by Irna S.: I have a pink colored spot that looks like an age spot but it is pink and it is not going away, i have had basal cell carcinoma under my left eye that has been removed years ago but this new spot is concerning me i dont have insurance and i live [...]

A Little Sun’s Good For Getting Vitamin D – MiamiHerald.com

Clay Cockerell, MD — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:12:55 +0000

If you do this, still be careful. This isn’t an invitation to go to the beach and tan or burn. You only need a small amount of sun on just a small portion of your body for only a couple of times a week to get all the vitamin D you need. And, remember to [...]

The Early Signs of Skin Cancer | WCBD

Clay Cockerell, MD — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:50:16 +0000

Actinic Keratoses are the earliest form of skin cancer and are a sign of sun damage. These should be treated and anyone with them needs to see a dermatologist. 77 year-old Roy Harris grew up in the warm Florida sun … something that began leaving its mark on his face and body decades later. “I [...]

Lathering Your Sunscreen On

Clay Cockerell, MD — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:38:18 +0000

Alarmed by the rising number of melanoma cases, I have created an SPF 18 body wash that should be available by the end of the year. This news story is courtesy of the DFW NBC affiliate.

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Sunscreen? | Healia Health Blog

Clay Cockerell, MD — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:50:40 +0000

I came across this article over at Helia Health Blog and they make a very important point. Look for a sunscreen that blocks uva and uvb both, and remember to wear it even on cloudy days. Most people don’t realize there’s still a danger with uva rays even on cloudy days. Comparing Apples to [...]

Lice

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:57:12 +0000

Detailed information on lice, including diagnosis and treatment

Birthmarks

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 19:00:07 +0000

Detailed information on birthmarks and the different types, including vascular birthmarks, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains

Laser Surgery Overview

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 15:00:02 +0000

Detailed information on laser surgery and what types of surgeries may be performed with lasers

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 12:00:40 +0000

Detailed information on shingles, including symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment

Excessive Hairiness (Hirsutism)

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 16:00:21 +0000

Detailed information on excessive hairiness, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Warts

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 14:00:48 +0000

Detailed information on the most common types of warts, including foot warts, flat warts, genital warts, and filiform warts

Laser Surgery for Skin Conditions

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 12:00:39 +0000

Detailed information on laser surgery for skin conditions

Treating Aged or Sun-Damaged Skin

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:58:07 +0000

Detailed information on treating aged or sun-damaged skin

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:00:17 +0000

Detailed information on toxic epidermal necrolysis, including symptoms and treatment

Tinea Versicolor

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:00:42 +0000

Detailed information on tinea versicolor, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Skin Tests

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:38:58 +0000

Detailed information on the most common types of skin tests, including patch testing, skin biopsy, and skin culture

Sunburn

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:00:56 +0000

Detailed information sunburn, including symptoms and treatment

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:00:37 +0000

Detailed information on staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Seborrheic Dermatitis

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:00:04 +0000

Detailed information on seborrheic dermatitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Scars

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:32 +0000

Detailed information on the different types of scars, including keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, contractures, and adhesions

Effects of UV Exposure

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:00:34 +0000

Detailed information on the effects of ultraviolet light and the increased risk of skin cancer, premature aging, cataracts, and immune system damage

UV Exposure Categories

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:02 +0000

Detailed information on the effects of ultraviolet light and exposure categories according the Ultraviolet (UV) Index

Ultraviolet Radiation

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:30:12 +0000

Detailed information on the effects of ultraviolet light and exposure categories according the Ultraviolet (UV) Index.

Sunscreen and Skin Cancer

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:00:28 +0000

This is an important question. With about a million new cases reported annually, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. And these numbers don’t even include melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Although most cases are highly curable, especially when detected early, treating skin cancer can be costly and difficult. There [...]

Melanoma Treatment (PDQ®)

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:47:26 +0000

General Information About Melanoma

Sunscreens

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:30:45 +0000

Detailed information on the effects of ultraviolet light and the increased risk of skin cancer, including the use of sunscreen as one skin cancer prevention method

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:24:58 +0000

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about melanoma. Q: What is the skin? A: The skin is the body’s biggest organ. It keeps water and other fluids in the body. And it keeps out germs and other foreign substances. The skin has these three layers. Epidermis is the top layer. It is very thin and protects [...]

Melanoma Treatment Introduction

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:55:34 +0000

A number of treatments are available for melanoma, including surgery, chemotherapy, and biological therapy. Patients will want to consider both the benefits and possible side effects of each option, and will want to discuss any other concerns they have with their doctor before making a decision.

Keeping Your Skin Safe

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:00:32 +0000

The Dangers of Too Much Sun Some sun can be good for you. It provides your body with vitamin D. But too much can cause damage. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, which penetrate your skin. Sunburn results when exposure is more than your body’s protective pigment, called melanin, can handle. UVB rays are the [...]

How to Do a Skin Self Exam

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:00:53 +0000

If you are at high risk for melanoma or other skin cancers, your healthcare provider may recommend regular skin self-examinations. Even if you are not at high risk, ask your doctor or nurse to show you how to do the exam. The best time to do a skin self-exam is after a shower or bath. [...]

Can I Get Checked for Melanoma Before I Have Symptoms?

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:00:51 +0000

Screening means checking for disease in people who don’t have any symptoms. Not every type of cancer has guidelines for recommendation of screening–melanoma does. You have a better chance of surviving melanoma if doctors diagnose and treat it early. “Early” means finding the melanoma when it is thin. A melanoma that is thick (penetrating deeper [...]

Preventing Skin Cancer

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:00:16 +0000

Detailed information on skin cancer prevention

How Can I Prevent Melanoma?

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:00:02 +0000

Melanoma can be one of the most preventable types of cancer. The key action to take is to protect yourself from the sun. To do that, take these steps. Use sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor). Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going in the sun. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more [...]

Am I At Risk for Melanoma?

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:00:03 +0000

There is really no way to know for sure if you’re going to get melanoma. Certain factors can make you more likely to get melanoma than another person. However, just because you have one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get melanoma. In fact, you can have all the risk factors [...]

Other Causes and Risk Factors For Skin Cancer

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:30:12 +0000

Detailed information on causes and risk factors for skin cancer, including heredity and environment

Fatigue Management

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:00:07 +0000

Fatigue is a feeling of being physically, emotionally, or mentally tired, weak, or exhausted. It is a symptom of cancer itself and also the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Some people with cancer have described fatigue as being “tired to the bones” or “hitting a wall.” Others say it is the most distressing [...]

Do What You Can to Ease Side Effects of Treatment for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:30:48 +0000

Your cancer may cause symptoms and you will likely have side effects from your treatment. The side effects you have depend on your treatment, which depends on whether the cancer has spread and how far. In this section, you’ll learn more about how to respond to some of the most common side effects of melanoma [...]

Finding Support During Treatment for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:00:49 +0000

Dealing with your feelings is often easier as you learn more about your disease and get support from other people. Doctors, nurses, and other members of your healthcare team can answer questions about your concerns. Talk to friends and relatives or get in touch with others who have had cancer. Or meet with a social [...]

Tell Your Healthcare Team How You Feel During Treatment for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:30:14 +0000

Treating your cancer to get the best results is important. But your quality of life also matters. Let your doctor and nurse know if you are experiencing any side effects or discomfort. Make sure to tell your doctor or nurse how these problems affect your day-to-day life. Your healthcare team is there to help you [...]

Tips for Feeling Your Best During Your Treatment for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:00:23 +0000

When you are being treated for melanoma, it is likely that you will have side effects. Depending upon how advanced your cancer is, you may also have symptoms of the disease. For instance, cancer that has spread can cause symptoms such as pressure or pain, or it may interfere with the function of an organ. [...]

Scabies

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:00:02 +0000

Detailed information on scabies, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Rosacea

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:30:26 +0000

Detailed information on the most common types of rosacea, including prerosacea, vascular rosacea, inflammatory rosacea, and rhinophyma

Tinea Infections (Ringworm)

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:00:10 +0000

Detailed information on the most common types of ringworm, including diagnosis and treatment

Psoriasis

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:30:27 +0000

Detailed information on psoriasis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Prickly Heat

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:00:43 +0000

Detailed information on prickly heat, including symptoms and treatment

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:30:27 +0000

Detailed information on poison ivy/poison oak, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Pityriasis Rosea

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:00:41 +0000

Detailed information on pityriasis rosea, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Skin Self-Examination

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:00:36 +0000

Detailed information on skin self-examination, including the importance of skin self-examination in skin cancer prevention and a step-by-step guide

Skin Pigment Disorders

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:30:04 +0000

Detailed information on the most common types of skin pigment disorders, including albinism, melasma, vitiligo, and skin pigment loss following sun damage

Other Bacterial Skin Infections

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:00:05 +0000

Detailed information on bacterial skin infections, including erysipelas, erythrasma, impetigo, and paronychia

Nutrition and Cancer – General Nutrition Guidelines

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:30:23 +0000

You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals instead of three large ones. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals.

Other Benign Skin Growths

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:30:06 +0000

Detailed information on benign skin growths, including dermatofibromas, dermoid cysts, freckles, keloids, keratoacanthomas, lipomas, moles (nevi), and atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)

Nutrition and Cancer – Nutritional Management of Constipation

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:00:38 +0000

Detailed information on managing constipation through nutritional changes, including suggestions for foods and beverages to relieve constipation

Nutrition and Cancer – Nutritional Management of Diarrhea

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:30:58 +0000

Detailed information on managing diarrhea through nutritional changes, including suggestions for foods and beverages to relieve constipation

Nutrition and Cancer – Nutritional Management of Nausea and Vomiting

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:00:24 +0000

Detailed information on managing nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment, including tips on eating

Cancer Treatment – Radiation Therapy For Cancer Treatment

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:30:59 +0000

Radiation therapy is given through different methods, depending on the type of cancer, the location of the cancer, and the patient's health. Sometimes, radiation therapy is used in combination with other treatments.

Cancer Treatment – Constipation and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:00:10 +0000

Detailed information on chemotherapy and constipation, including strategies for reducing constipation

Cancer Treatment – Diarrhea and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:00:05 +0000

Detailed information on chemotherapy and diarrhea, including foods for diarrhea control, and ways to reduce the severity of diarrhea symptoms

Cancer Treatment – Nausea, Vomiting and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:30:49 +0000

Detailed information on chemotherapy and nausea and vomiting, including types of nausea and vomiting, causes, and management strategies

Cancer Treatment – Appetite, Taste Changes and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:00:47 +0000

Detailed information on appetite, taste alterations, and chemotherapy

Cancer Treatment – Mucositis, Mouth Sores and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:30:02 +0000

Detailed information on chemotherapy and mucositis or mouth sores, including symptoms and treatment

Cancer Treatment – Skin, Nails and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:00:17 +0000

Detailed information on how to manage skin and nail related side effects of chemotherapy

Cancer Treatment – Hair Loss and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:30:35 +0000

Detailed information on chemotherapy and hair loss causes and management

Cancer Treatment – Anemia and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:00:27 +0000

Detailed information on chemotherapy and anemia, including strategies to help manage anemia and fatigue

Potential Side Effects from Chemotherapy for Malignant Mesothelioma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Chemotherapy affects both normal cells and cancer cells. Side effects depend on the type and amount of drugs you take. Here are some common side effects that people with malignant mesothelioma have when they take chemotherapy. Ask your doctor which ones are the most likely to happen to you. Constipation Decreased blood counts Diarrhea Fatigue [...]

Treatment for Skin Cancer

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:00:35 +0000

Detailed information on the most common treatments for skin cancer, including surgery, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, electrochemotherapy, biological therapy, and photodynamic therapy

Understanding Clinical Trials for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:00:34 +0000

Clinical trials test new drugs and therapies. These treatments are not yet available to the public. They may work better or have fewer side effects than current treatments. Still, these are not yet cures. Ask your doctor if there are clinical trials you should think about. Clinical trials work with select groups of patients. Not [...]

Questions to Ask About Treatment for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:17:10 +0000

It helps to learn all you can about the cancer and your treatment choices. It helps you take an active part in decisions about your medical care. Discuss these choices with your doctor, other healthcare professionals, and loved ones. Your doctor and nurses are the best people to answer your questions about treatment. Make sure [...]

What to Know First About Your Treatment Choices for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:12:21 +0000

Melanoma can be treated. The choices you have for treatment depend upon these factors. The size and location of your tumor The extent of the disease, called the stage Your age and general health Your personal needs Treatment may cure or control the melanoma. It can also improve your quality of life by controlling symptoms [...]

Cancer Treatment – Infection and Chemotherapy

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:30:41 +0000

Detailed information on chemotherapy and infections, including symptoms and ways to prevent infections

How can you get rid of skin cancer for good, or can you get rid of it?

Clay Cockerell, MD — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:54:51 +0000

Question from Tonya S.: I have had skin cancer for 11 years and been through radiation and surgeries but nothing is working and the doctor that performed the surgerys said I would have to live with this the rest of my life and go through surgeries the rest of my life. But the radiation has [...]

Overview of Your Treatment Choices for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:00:12 +0000

Researchers are continually finding new treatment methods for melanoma. The choices that you have for treatment depend upon these factors. Size and location of the melanoma Extent of the disease, called the stage Status of your health Your age Your personal needs or special considerations Treatment for melanoma can be either local or systemic. Local [...]

Combination Therapies: Taking Control of Late-Stage Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:00:41 +0000

The incidence of cutaneous melanoma–the most serious form of skin cancer–is rising faster than any other cancer in the United States . Melanoma is classified into stages to show how far it has spread into the body. Stage I melanoma is no more than 2 millimeters thick. Stage II melanoma is more than 2 millimeters [...]

Alternative Therapy – Overview of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:00:56 +0000

Complementary medicine is used in conjunction with other therapies. It usually serves to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Alternative medicine is used alone, without standard treatment.

Limb-Saving Treatment for People with Melanoma: Isolated Limb Perfusion

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:00:11 +0000

Although melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer, it is becoming more and more common. Melanoma can occur at any site on the skin. It is more common on the chest, back, head, and neck in men. It is more common on the arms and legs in women. For those people who have a [...]

What to Expect After Immunotherapy for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:00:24 +0000

Side effects can be severe, but usually improve after the treatment is finished. Potential Side Effects of Cytokine Therapy Here are some of the more common side effects of cytokine therapy. Fever Chills Aches Depression Low blood cell counts Fatigue (severe tiredness) Stomach upset Vomiting Diarrhea In high doses, cytokines can cause fluid to build [...]

Making the Decision to Have Immunotherapy for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:00:32 +0000

Your doctor may suggest immunotherapy if one of these cases applies to you. You have advanced melanoma. In this case, the goal of immunotherapy is to help shrink the tumor. You may have this treatment along with chemotherapy. Or your doctor may suggest a clinical trial of immunotherapy to help you. You have had surgery to [...]

What to Know About Immunotherapy for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:00:21 +0000

Immunotherapy is a form of biological therapy. Immunotherapy uses substances that boost your body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Sometimes these substances are called biologicals. Then, your immune cells better recognize and attack the cancer cells. Doctors use more than one type of substance to treat melanoma. You may take immunotherapy after surgery to [...]

The Types of Immunotherapy for Melanoma

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:00:01 +0000

Cytokine Therapy Interferon-alpha Interleukin-2 Doctors use them to boost immunity in a general way. For example, interleukin-2 is an agent that prompts the growth of certain white blood cells. You take interleukin-2 in the hospital as an inpatient. Vaccine Therapy No vaccine so far has been proven effective at treating melanoma. They are considered experimental. [...]

Molluscum Contagiosum

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:00:45 +0000

Detailed information on molluscum contagiosum, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Keratosis Pilaris

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:00:05 +0000

Detailed information on keratosis pilaris, including treatment

Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ®)

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:00:33 +0000

What is screening? Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormaltissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread. Scientists are trying to better understand which people [...]

Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ®)

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:30:49 +0000

What is prevention? Cancerprevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer in a group or population is lowered. Hopefully, this will lower the number of deaths caused by cancer. To prevent new cancers from starting, scientists look at risk factors and protective [...]

Online Resources – Dermatology

SkinCancer.com Web Admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:12:45 +0000

List of online resources to find additional information on dermatology and common skin conditions