Melanoma Cancer Symptoms

Question: Do I have Skin cancer / melanoma? http://i518.photobucket.com/albums/u346/LizzyJewel93/mole.jpg ^^ thats my mole. I have a mole on my back that is causing me trouble. And I think I may have melanoma. I have apt. this friday with the doctor. But was looking to get some insight now. Below is what the sympotoms are suppose to be. I have a yes or no beside it as to whether or not I have that symptom. Do you think I have it? Yes- * A is for asymmetry. One half of the mole or skin growth doesn't match the other half. Yes- * B is for border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred. Yes. Brown and tan- * C is for color. The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance. Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, also are an early sign of melanoma. Yes- * D is for diameter. The mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm (0.2 in.) or about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be of concern. Signs of melanoma in an existing mole include changes in: Yes. Thickening. -* Elevation, such as thickening or raising of a previously flat mole. No- * Surface, such as scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding, or crusting. Yes. My mole is on my back and all around it is red and itchy. almost like a rash - * Surrounding skin, such as redness, swelling, or small new patches of color around a larger lesion (satellite pigmentations). * Sensation, such as itching, tingling, or burning. * Consistency, such as softening or small pieces that break off easily (friability). Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or other mark on the skin, but it often develops in unmarked skin. Although melanoma can grow anywhere on the body, it frequently occurs on the upper back of men and women and on the legs in women. Less commonly, it can develop on the soles, palms, nail beds, or mucous membranes that line body cavities such as the mouth, the rectum, and the vagina.5 Many other skin conditions (such as seborrheic keratosis, warts, and basal cell cancer) have features similar to those of melanoma. Later symptoms Later signs of melanoma include: No. - * A break in the skin or bleeding from a mole or other colored skin lesion. Yes. - * Pain in a mole or lesion. Symptoms of metastatic melanoma may be vague and include: No. - * Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the armpit or groin. No. - * A colorless lump or thickening under the skin. Yes. - * Unexplained weight loss. No. - * Gray skin (melanosis). No. * Ongoing (chronic) cough. Yes. -* Headaches. No. -* Seizures.

Answer: From what I've seen, melanomas usually are very dark colored, almost black, like burned skin. Looking at your mole, it does appear slightly asymmetrical and does seem to have a different color in the center than around the border. It doesn't look like melanoma, but it does look "suspicious" to me, meaning, it should be removed just to be sure it doesn't cause problems later. However, a dermatologist may decide differently. Make sure you have it examined.

Question: what are the symptoms of skin cancer? Every time I look online every site seems to say the same thing: change in the appearance of a mole, etc. But are there symptoms that follow this? Like weakness or blood problems? I mean, what is it about skin cancer that kills people? I think my grandpa died from melanoma, so I know it's in our bloodline. Anyway, any extra info is appreciated. i understand that skin cancer presents in the form of moles or bump or lesions. and it can spread. but what is it about skin cancer that kills someone?!?! what does it do to your body, other than the obvious spreading moles

Answer: basal cell carcinoma's are easier to treat. they look waxy or like lesions on the skin. I have had melanoma. it was a mole that turned darker and started to itch. i had 2 surgeries. the 1st to remove it and then it was sent for biopsy. the 2nd to remove more of the surrounding tissue from the area. i'm very lucky it was caught in time and had no chemo or further problems since. i'm still alive after 21 yrs so there is hope. Melanomas can spread by cells getting loose in the bloodstream and traveling thru out the body, usually to the lungs causing a secondary lung cancer. i was always a sun worshipper and went to tanning beds frequently. now i know it was not worth the "golden glow"

Question: What symptom did you have of melanoma? Skin cancer runs in my family. I just had a mole biopsied a few days ago and am anxious about the results. The mole had changed shape and color. What symptom did you have of melanoma?

Answer: I'm not sure what symptoms advanced melanoma cause, but you wouldn't necessarily have any physical symptoms if they caught it early. Usually just need minor surgery to make sure they get all the cancer if the biopsy is positive. I've had basal cell carcinoma removed and my husband has had melanoma removed--as long as they've caught it early you shouldn't be worried. I've had several moles removed and they were all benign--only one was dubbed pre-cancerous. Just make sure to get checked every 6 months to a year!

Question: What could these symptoms be the result of? Trembing left arm randomly for several minutes? at a time, sudden headaches that wake me up and cause nausea,and excessively drowsy?The arm tremble started a few months ago and happens more frequently now, the headaches started about a month ago and have also increased in frequency, the drowsiness just started this week. I have had melanoma and uterine cancer in the past. I have an appointment with the doctor but want some kind of idea at least as to what it might be? .

Answer: Could be a trapped nerve, but could also be something to do with your heart. Hope all goes well for you.

Question: What can cause a mole to suddenly change BESIDES skin cancer? A longtime mole has suddenly become more raised, darkened and "crusty" feeling. I kind of picked at it (sorry!) and immediately a chunk of black skin fell off and it started bleeding. Melanoma runs in the family but while I wait for a doctor's appointment and test results I'd like to know if there are any benign cell changes that can cause these symptoms.

Answer: Oh my goodness!! This is a bad sign, a mole that suddenly begins to grow or change, esp. one that bleeds easily. All are bad signs, and malignant melanoma is a very deadly form of cancer. You had better go to a skin doctor NOW If you cannot get in go to someone else, before it is too late.

Question: something is wrong with my mom, she has these symptoms like as if she's on a bad high? My mom has been disabled for quite some time. She had 4 spinal fusions, and nerological disorder. She had recently had surgery(#4) like a month 1/2 ago. They put a bone stimulator in her back & it's literaly boldging out of her back(as big as a computer mouse) She has melanoma cancer. She is only in late 40's. She is right now drowzy(prob.medicine) and she is in pain. But she keeps lying down, 2 min. go by and she sits up. Ache-ing-ly saying she's scared(i ask her what she's scared about) she says i don't know, then lies back down, she has been repeating she's scared and lies up then down(uncomfortably) But it's like she's having a bad high. She keeps saying she's scared, thats all she is saying. Is there anyone that cvan help me with advice or has been through this?

Answer: this sounds like delirium. If she is already on medication and the pain keeps her from sleeping I think she is experiencing sleep deprivation delirium. I agree with the others you need to get her to a Doctor, I just don't believe it should be the same one you went to. Best of wishes to you and yours

Question: Can someone from the medical community Email me please!? I have several questions regarding cancer. Does a cyst or a swollen lymph node mean cancer? Such as does one experience fever, etc. or what symptoms are there? Does everyone who has cancer drop weight suddenly or do they gain weight? Does cancer affect the libido or ability to have children? If there is no mole or growth apparent on the outer skin, but there was a lump or nodule to the touch, that was pliable not hard, is this Melanoma Cancer? When the cancer has spread does the lump, or tumor dissapear or does the skin change in appearance for example sag or dimple or look as there is tissue deplition?

Answer: I answered your other question. Your husband needs to have a doctor lay eyes and hands on him to figure out what his lump is/was. NOBODY on this forum can do what a live MD in person can do. There are hundreds of different cancers, each with different symptoms and courses. There are also a bunch of things that your husband could have that are NOT malignant. I sent you an email. Melanoma usually starts on the skin, but a good friend of mine just lost his wife to melanoma that was first found in her liver. Never found a skin lesion. Cancers are usually hard. Things that are soft are less likely to be malignant. Take him to a doctor or clinic.

Question: hypochondriac...!! please help? My Boyfriend say I am hypochondriac and I guess he is right. I have this brown streak on my fingernail of the thumb for a verrrry long time so I thought it was cancer and went to the dermatologist and he told me it wasn't something he was really concerned about and if I wanted a biopsy he could give me one. But I'm pregnant so I can't get it done til I give birth. Then I was reading about symptoms of melanoma cancer and I find myself having a few of those. And just today I saw a very faint streak on the nail next to my pinky. Not noticeable at all but if i look at it closely in different kinds of light i would see. Does hypochondriac cause you to have symptoms that is not really there? I've been watching health channels and every lil thing i see on there, I think i might have. Am I making myself feel the symptoms? I want my normal life. Ever since I got pregnant, I've been so paranoid and worry about every lil thing. i can for sure say im not imagining the streaks on my nails. This is driving me nuts. the dermatologist told me he wouldn't worry about the streaks/moles/hair strands on me but why don't i believe him? I still think i have some kind of skin cancer. Anything I can do to make me stop being hypochondriac? I seem to find something new everyday that I have to worry about.

Answer: When you are pregnant your body will go through many changes. As far as you being a hypochondriac I have to agree with your boyfriend. A lot of people that suffer from that will make them selves believe that they have it and your body will go through the signs of having it. I would suggest that you stop watching the health channels.

Question: I think I might have cancer? So, in health class we were talking about cancer and symptoms and what not. To start off, my dad had melanoma. I have two strange moles slightly odd shaped with different shades of brown (one on back and one behind ear) that are also bigger than a pencil eraser. I also have white vaginal discharge every day. I've heard that's normal though. My teacher said these are signs of cancer and right now I'm just really freaking out. Please help me. i've told my mom and she keeps saying soon she'll take me but she's not going through with it for some reason...

Answer: Vaginal discharge has nothing to do with moles. It is probably just your hormones. I've had vaginal discharge for years and it never turned out to be anything serious. If the discharge is different than normal, it could be a yeast infection. As for the moles, you may want to have them checked out. Have they always been that size? If so, you most likely have nothing to worry about. It's moles that change in color and diameter that are a cause for concern. I had the same problem two years ago; I went to the dermatologist to get them checked out and thankfully they were nothing. I would go to the dermatologist just for peace of mind. Skin cancer is so easily treatable in the early stages so I'd say have them checked now while you're young.

Question: How do I tell my parents? I found a lump on my breast, and kept watching it, but then I found this irregular mole. I did some research on breast cancer, and noticed I had the symptoms, but it said it was rare in younger girls (I'm fourteen). I thought it might just be hormones, or whatever and ignored it, but now it has been a year and they are still there, sometimes they are painful. I told my friend and he had me take this online health over view test, just to see if it was in need of getting checked out. I took it and instead of saying I had breast cancer it said I was like for melanoma skin cancer. The symptoms were dark moles and severe blistering sunburns in childhood. I have atleast 40 moles and have had at least 5 cases of blistering sun burns. Now, I know it was a computer, but I have the symptoms and I'm really worried about it. My parents and I have never been close, and have been fighting alot lately. I don't know how to confront them about getting tested. If you have any idea on how I could tell my mother about this, or get checked without parental consent, I would really appreciate it. I'm also scared to tell my mom, because she has been depressed for awhile, mostly because a few months ago my uncle died of cancer. My school's secretary and another teacher both died about a week ago from cancer also. I don't see her depression getting better..... I don't want to make it worse by a possibility of having cancer, because if I don't, I don't want to set her further into the depression when I'm okay. I also, know that there is a history of breast cancer on both my mom and dad's sides.

Answer: go to the doctor with your parents to just get a check up even though it is rare to get breast cancer you could still be the rare one to get it

Question: What is this spot I have? Last night I noticed I have a dark brown spot on my left lower knee cap. It's very very small and looks like a thumb tack prick. It's a little bit red around it but I think that's from where I picked at it last night to see what it was. I thought it might be a scab, but I picked it and it didn't come off. Is this just a freckle? If so, why have I not seen it there before? Can freckles randomly appear in places you haven't had them before? This isn't a cancer sign is it? I ask that because I read something about this type of cancer called Melanoma. The symptoms are - A new, possibly large, irregularly shaped, dark brownish spot with darker or black areas. A simple mole that changes in color (particularly turning darker), size (growing), or texture (becoming firmer), and/or flakes or bleeds. An unusual lesion with an irregular border and red, white, blue, gray, or bluish-black areas or spots. Shiny, firm, dome-shaped bumps that are new, changing, or unusual anywhere on the body. Dark lesions under the fingernails or toenails, on the palms, soles, tips of fingers and toes, or on mucous membranes (skin that lines the mouth, nose, vagina, and anus). I have a couple moles, but I don't think they've changed at all and they haven't flaked or bled. I haven't had any shiny things like mentioned on my body or odd colored lesions, and they haven't been dark lesions on any parts mentioned that I've noticed. So that spot on my knee isn't cancer is it? Is it just a regular freckle or is it something I should be scared about? Freckles don't just appear? I know I do have some freckles and even a couple moles/birth marks... but I just haven't noticed one one my knee before. I'm really scared because what if it WAS cancer. I don't wanna die =( I just looked up some pictures of what Melanoma looks like... mine looks nothing like that. None of my freckles/moles/birth marks do. But I'm still scared - what if this is just an "onset" of it and it really DOES end up being cancer? I don't have a family history of any cancers, so am I ok? I never tan by laying out in the sun for hours or from going to tanning beds/salons. I've never wanted to be tan because I don't think it'd fit me very well. I don't go out in the sun much at all. When it's real hot and sunny out, I'd rather stay some where cool. So does that help me stay away from getting Melanoma? I was looking at some risk factors of Melanoma and it said stuff like personal history *if you have many moles or unsual moles, called dysplactic nevi, if you have had melanoma before or other types of skin cancers*, family history *close relatives - parents, kids, sibblings who have had melanoma*, and fair skin. Well, my history is pretty good. I only have 2 moles *one of my left side and one one my right arm*, and I've never had Melanoma or any other cancers. My family history is clean too. But what did scare me is the fair skin part. Beside where it said "Fair skin" it reads - "Less pigment (melanin) in the skin offers poorer protection against UV radiation. People with light hair and light-colored eyes who have skin that tans poorly or freckles, or those who burn easily, are two to three times more likely to develop melanoma." I'm pale and have blonde hair. My eyes are a icy greyish blue, I don't tan too good and I do have freckles. So does that mean I'm at a major risk for it? It said for prevention - reducing exposure to UV radiation, particularly through sun exposure, lowers the risk of melanoma. This is important for people of all ages and is especially important for people who have an increased risk of melanoma. Sun damage builds up over time. Steps to reduce sun exposure, avoid sunburn, and help prevent many cases of melanoma include: Limiting or avoiding sun exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, wearing sun-protective clothing, including a hat that shades the face, neck, and ears. Clothes made of fabric labeled with UPF (UV protection factor) may provide better protection. UV-protective sunglasses are also recommended. Using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher throughout the year and reapplying it often, especially after heavy perspiration or being in the water, examining the skin regularly (examinations by a health-care professional and self-examinations), avoiding use of sun lamps, tanning beds, and tanning salons.

Answer: Sounds like a spider bite or an ingrown hair.

Question: i was wondering if itching is a symptom of melanoma??i had a small spot on my lower leg i thought was a bite? but has sorta healed. the scab was gone but stayed itching and the itch is still there as well i scratched it the other day and a liquid came out looked like water. wierd ah???? of course my first thought from being in the sun all summer was cancer. have not gone to the doctor because dont think i should go for just a bug bite. but dont want to leave it if someone out there were to tell me they had the same thx in advance

Answer: No, itching is not a symptom. These are the symptoms: A brown patch with irregular shape that grows.

Question: Any possible signs of Melanoma spreading? My friend had a mole removed to be tested for cancer cells. It is near his groin. It wasn't hurting, it just had all the signs (size, color) He has had a lot of bowel problems (gas, diarrhea, cramping) as well for awhile. So of course he is worried that might be related in some strange way... Does anyone know about cases of a Melanoma spreading? Were there symptoms that helped diagnose? ((Any info would be great, he has to wait 2 weeks for the results, and that is tough.) t.i.a.

Answer: First, don't jump to conclusions. You need to take each step, learn what the information means and then decide the next steps. Wait for the pathology report on the mole. Most likely it is just a mole, possibly with some atypical cells. If it is Melanoma, then you need to understand the report; size, depth, "clear margins" will determine the severity of the Melanoma what step to take next. Again, more than likely everything will be fine. BTW Melanoma tends to travel to the lymphmatic system to organs like lungs, liver, kidneys. so the bowel issues might be something else.

Question: I went to the Doctor after a cancer scare,.... please read? ..I had the symptoms of Melanoma so went to get it checked yesterday. He said it's 99% not melanoma but will speak to some Dermatoligists and phone me. So he phoned me today asking to come in at 5.50pm. Why could this be??? At M.C. - yes, possibly... Just worried

Answer: Because IF it is cancer they want to know asap, dont panic all will be well. good luck and god bless.

Question: How long is it okay to have skin cancer before it is treated? I developed 2 moles a couple years ago when I was 17, I didn't think it to be anything harmful as I am so young and never considered skin cancer. I am now becoming very worried because I am almost certain it is melanoma, they aren't very large but the surface has become itchy and dry and I know this to be a symptom of skin cancer. I also have a mole on my back that has been there my entire life and I just looked at it this evening and noticed the edges are a bit uneven. The problem is I am currently uninsured and worried I will not be able to recieve treatment due to costs, of course I still need a biopsy to be sure..but what I want to know is, if I have had this for two years already is it still curable?

Answer: Good God...see a dermatologist NOW!!! My wife of 16+ years had a small melanoma removed from her right arm about 3 years ago. She failed to do any follow ups. About a month ago, we found out it spread to her left arm (a tumor is splitting her humerus) and the back of her neck. There are the beginnings of tumors in both of her femurs and in her pelvis. She also had a group of lymph nodes removed from her right arm pit. The sad part is I fear we won't see our 20th anniversary. :-( Contact your local social services or community health center, or the closest medical university. You need to see doctors immediately. Medicaid should be able to help. Also...do NOT try to self-diagnose. The itchiness and dryness may just be that...itchiness and dryness. Do you live in an environment that has low humidity? This may account for the dryness and itchiness. Our country does not have socialized medicine (thank God for that!), and no one will get turned away. The problem is: You have to know WHO to ask and exactly WHAT questions to ask in order to get the medical attention you need. Good luck.

Question: Did my anxiety cause me to start having breathlessness all of a sudden since 2 days ago? ive randomly had this fear of cancer for the past month and a half where i seriously thought i had symptoms of cancer, starting with melanoma, then prostate cancer, bladder cancer, diabetes, male breast cancer, and lymphoma. been to numerous doctors, and had blood tests, physicals, urine tests, and even a ct scan my doctor gave me for peace of mind. i was going insane even after negative ct scan. im only 19 and have been driving my entire family crazy with this hypocondria (as well as cybercondria) ive spent hours online researching symptoms to the point where i thought i really had cancer even though i know i dont. ive started feeling better now, but have been having bouts of breathlessness where its hard to take a deep breath for a few minutes at a time. im seeing a therapist next week for my problem. do you think its anxiety causing breathlessness, EVEN THOUGH i stopped really worrying about it 2 days ago, strangely when i stopped really worrying is WHEN the breathlessness started!

Answer: My depression led to anxiety, the anxiety led to panic attacks, the panic attacks led to my OCD going totally out of control....I felt like something terrible was going to happen & I thought I was dying.....thank god for medication...You think you stopped worrying about it but its still there just bubbling away beneath the surface. You can probably feel your heart pounding away & that taste of fear/panic in the back of your throat..that's how mine felt... I am a firm believer in the power of medication. I talked to someone too but I could not make any progress until I had everything else under control...The good thing is that you can stop it from over taking you.