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About melanoma: for patients

Author: Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer; Copy Editor: Clare Morrison; Chief Editor: Dr Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, October 2013. About Melanoma is sponsored by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.


Many melanomas What is melanoma?
 Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is sometimes dangerous. 

 

Fair skinned people are prone to melanoma

 Who gets melanoma?
 Melanoma can develop in anyone. More common in fair skin, dark-skinned people get melanoma too. 

 

Sun flare What causes melanoma?
 Melanoma is caused mostly by the effects of the sun.

 

Sunburn Ban the tan!
 Avoid exposing your skin to the sun.

 

 Clothes count.Old man with hat
 Dress up when outdoors.

 

 Slap it on!Suntan label
 Apply sunscreen daily.

 

 Is any sun good for me?Vitamin D pills
 Very little sun is needed to make vitamin D

 

Large superficial spreading melanoma  Spot the difference!
 Melanoma looks different from other spots.

 

Ugly duckling sign  Check your skin today.
 Self skin examinations and the Ugly Duckling sign.

 

Looking for melanoma with dermatoscope  See your doctor.
 Unsure? Ask for a total body skin examination.

 

Suturing surgical wound after removal of melanoma  Do I have melanoma?
 What now? Surgery to remove a suspicious spot.

 

Melanoma pathology reportPathological diagnosis.
Your skin sample is processed and viewed under a microscope.

 

Sutured woundHow is melanoma removed?
Re-excision ensures no melanoma remains in the skin.

 

Lady who has had melanomaHas my melanoma spread?
Next steps depend on clinical stage of melanoma.

 

Advanced melanomaI have advanced melanoma: what now?
Your multidisciplinary team will explain your options.

 

Man who has survived melanomaSurviving melanoma.
Planning follow-up.

 

Woman who has survived melanomaWhat's my outlook?
Survival statistics.

 

Man who has survived melanomaClinical trials.
Take part in melanoma research.

 

Woman who has survived melanomaOther resources.
Patient support.

 

video links Our melanoma videos.

 

 

 

 

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