Melanoma Arises from melanocytes and can spread quickly. Early detection is crucial using the ABCDEs—Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving—and the “Ugly Duckling” method. All Fitzpatrick Types are susceptible, though darker skin has some natural protection. Treatments depend on stage and may include surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy (AIM at Melanoma Foundation, n.d.). The ABCDEs of melanoma are key to early detection A is for Asymmetry . Usually, melanoma is asymmetrical, meaning if you were to draw a line to fold over its shape, the halves would not match. B is for Borde r. The borders of melanoma tend to be uneven, unlike common moles that have smoother, even borders. C is for Color . Benign moles usually have a single shade of brown, whereas melanoma can have varying shades of brown, tan, or black. As the cancer grows, red, white, or blue coloring may appear. Merkel cell carcinoma Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare form of skin cancer; however, it is quite aggressive and has a high risk of spreading to other areas of the body. It also has a high risk of returning after treatment, often within two to three years of initial diagnosis. Merkel cell carcinoma is 40 times rarer than melanoma. The number of Merkel cell carcinoma cases diagnosed each year has been increasing rapidly over the past few decades. Approximately 3,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S. (American Cancer Society, n.d.c.): ● Most Americans diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma are older than age 70. ● Men are more likely to have Merkel cell carcinoma than women. ● More than 9 out of 10 Americans diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma are white people (American Cancer Society, n.d.c.). Merkel cell carcinoma is challenging to diagnose, as 56 percent of Merkel cell carcinomas are believed to be benign during the initial physician exam. Sometimes tumors are mistaken for cysts or infected hair follicles. Since these types of lesions do not appear to be concerning, delayed medical attention can also be detrimental. About five percent of Merkel cell carcinomas appear in the mouth, nasal cavity, and throat, making these painless lesions hard to spot before the cancer has advanced. In some cases, Merkel cell carcinoma was not detectable, as they were initially found in the lymph nodes without any tumor being identified (Skin Cancer Foundation, n.d.e.). What to look for : Merkel cell carcinoma may appear as a painless shiny or pearly lesion or nodule, with coloring of red, purple, bluish- red, or flesh colored—this includes both fair and deep tones as seen on the Fitzpatrick Scale. They vary in size, but when detected by an individual, they are often an average size, about the diameter of a dime. While skin cancers can appear anywhere on the body, Merkel cell carcinoma is frequently observed on sun-exposed areas. The head, neck, and eyelids are often areas of concern.
D is for Diameter or Dark . In a perfect world, we can detect melanoma when it is small. A warning sign of suspicious changes is a lesion that is the size of a pencil eraser or larger. Also, looking for spots that are darker than others, no matter the size, can also aid in early detection. E is for Evolving . Any changes in shape, size, color, or elevation of a spot—or a new symptom within it, like bleeding, itching, or crusting can be a warning sign (AIM at Melanoma Foundation, n.d.). The Ugly Duckling method for detecting melanoma In addition to using the ABCDEs of melanoma for detecting questionable spots that may be skin cancer, you can also use the Ugly Duckling Method or Ugly Duckling Sign for recognizing possible melanomas. The idea is that normal moles we see on our body resemble one another, but when melanoma is present, moles stand out like an ugly duckling when compared to normal moles. The AEIOU’s of Merkel cell carcinoma are key to early detection A is for Asymptomati c. Asymptomatic refers to lesions that are not painful or tender and do not exhibit symptoms of disease. E is for Expanding . Lesions that expand rapidly in size. I is for Immunosuppressed . Those who are immunosuppressed have an immune system that is inhibited, increasing the risk of disease such as skin cancer. O is for Older . Those who are older than age 50. U is for UV-exposed skin . The lesion appears on UV- exposed areas of the skin (AOCD, n.d.). Like other forms of skin cancer, the prevention of Merkel cell carcinoma involves being aware of new or changing lesions on the skin. If you have been diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma in the past, it is important to pay close attention to the area where it was found, as it may reappear in the A weakened immune system, a history of unprotected sun exposure or history of skin cancer, having fair skin, being over the age of 50, or being male increase the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma. How it is treated : While Merkel cell carcinoma is rare and dangerous, it is also treatable, particularly when found at an early stage—similar to melanoma. Treatment options for Merkel cell carcinoma are dependent upon the stage of cancer and the overall health of the individual. Treatments include surgical removal of the tumor along with radiation, immunotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. surrounding region. Unique risk factors :
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Book Code: ENC0826
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