How to Cope With Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor arising from cells that produce melanin. It usually occurs on the skin or eye, but also may grow in the mucous membranes or other sites on rare occasions. Melanomas are the deadliest form of skin cancer and comprise more than 77 percent of all deaths related to skin cancer. The following steps will show how to cope with melanoma.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. The prognosis for melanoma depends primarily on the presence of histologic ulceration, tumor thickness and especially local involvement of the lymph nodes.
2. Take preventative measures if you have a history of melanoma. Use protective clothing and sunscreens. Conduct frequent self-examinations for new melanomas, especially within the melanoma scar and encourage first-degree relatives to be screened.
3. Make annual follow-up visits with your dermatologist after being diagnosed with melanoma, especially in the case of thicker tumors. Most metastases will occur within in the first three years of primary treatment. You should continue to receive regular skin examinations for life because five percent of diagnosed patients will develop new primary melanomas.
4. Participate in clinical trials. These studies provide the first opportunity to benefit from new treatments that have shown promise in the laboratory. The National Cancer Institute provides publications that you will need to read before participating in a clinical trial.
5. Ensure that members of the health-care team answer your questions about your treatment. A counselor or member of the clergy can help you talk about your feelings and concerns. A social worker should be able to provide resources for financial aid, home care and transportation.