"Ask the Doctor": Skin Cancer

March 13, 2000

Page 2 of 16

Dr. Legha: Hello, this is Dr. Legha!

Miss Q: What is melanoma?

Dr. Legha: Melanoma is a cancer that arises from the skin, from a specialized cell called a melanocyte. It is a pigment- producing cell, so the color of our skin is largely determined by the number of melanocytes. When any of these cells become cancerous they produce a pigmented lesion, or a mole, on the skin surface, which can be cancerous. To determine that, you need to have a doctor check you to find out whether it is or it is not.

AriesRising: What are the signs and symptoms?

Dr. Legha: Melanomas are typically present as a pigmented lesion or a mole on the skin surface. These are typically asymptomatic, so they are spots on the skin that are generally changing in their size or shape. That's the typical sign of melanoma -- a change in color or size or pigment; all are indicators that the pigmented spot could be a melanoma. Generally, there are no symptoms in early stages. It's an asymptomatic mole, pretty much.

Maggiepie: I've read where the number of new cases of melanoma in the United States has more than doubled in the past 20 years. Why is that?

Dr. Legha: Melanoma is a cancer which is increasing in numbers, quite fast. In fact, faster than any other cancer at the present time. The exact cause or reasons are still a matter of some debate. But one of the commonly accepted explanations is increased sun exposure from outdoor recreational activities in the sun, which have become quite popular in the last two or three decades. Suntanning is another popular hobby of many youngsters, and it is the intense exposure to sun that is thought to be partly responsible for this increase.

Page 2 of 16