Melanoma how does it affect the body

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. How does melanoma affect the body? Your doctor will decide how often you will need check-ups — everyone is different. They will become less frequent if you have no further problems.

After treatment for melanoma it is important to limit exposure to the sun's UV radiation. A combination of sun protection measures clothing, hat, shade, sunscreen and sunglasses should be used during sun protection times whenever UV index levels are forecast to be 3 or above.

As biological family members usually share similar traits, your family members may also have an increased risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. They can reduce their risk by spending less time in the sun and using a combination of sun protection measures during sun protection times.

It is important to monitor your skin regularly and if you notice any changes in your skin, or enlarged lymph glands near to where you had the cancer, see your specialist as soon as possible. Caring for someone with cancer can be a difficult and emotional time. If you or someone you know is caring for someone with skin cancer you may find it helpful to download and read some of the Cancer Council Victoria booklets.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Bedbugs have highly developed mouth parts that can pierce skin. Before a biopsy, you need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor or surgeon.

In most cases, we do not know what causes birthmarks. Most are harmless, happen by chance and are not caused by anything the mother did wrong in pregnancy. If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Bladder cancer affects twice as many men as women. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Skip to main content. Home Skin. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is melanoma? Types of skin cancer Causes of melanoma Risk of melanoma Symptoms of melanoma Checking for melanoma Diagnosis of melanoma Further melanoma tests Treatment of melanoma Surgery for melanoma Chemotherapy for melanoma Biological therapies and melanoma Radiotherapy for melanoma Complementary and alternative treatments Long-term outlook for people with melanoma When melanoma can't be cured Risk of further melanomas Caring for someone with cancer Where to get help.

Types of skin cancer The 3 major types of skin cancer are: squamous cell carcinoma basal cell carcinoma melanoma. Melanoma , , Cancer Council Victoria. Treating early melanoma , , Cancer Council Victoria. Skin cancer incidence and mortality , , Cancer Council Australia. Give feedback about this page. Share on whatsapp. What is melanoma?

The mole or spot will typically exhibit some common symptoms: An increase in size Irregular borders A change in color from brown to black Irregular, rough or ulcerated surface Tends to bleed easily A spot that looks different from others Any ulcer or broken down part of the skin that does not heal within 4 weeks A spot that becomes raised overtime Example pictures of melanoma.

Skin cancer pictures Melanoma can affect the body in many different ways depending on the person and where and how the melanoma has formed. Learn the health of your skin. Start with SkinVision Now. Check your skin for skin cancer today. Try SkinVision. SkinVision Customer Stories. Seonaid Sichel.

There are ways to treat most of the side effects from immunotherapy. If you have side effects, talk to your cancer care team so they can help. Targeted therapy drugs may be used for certain types of melanoma. These drugs affect mainly cancer cells and not normal cells in the body. They may cause fewer side effects. Chemo is the short word for chemotherapy — the use of drugs to fight cancer. The drugs may be given into a vein or taken as pills. These drugs go into the blood and spread through the body.

They kill cells that are fast growing cancer cells and good cells like blood cells and hair. Chemo is given in cycles or rounds. Each round of treatment is followed by a break. Most of the time, 2 or more chemo drugs are given. Treatment often lasts for many months. Chemo can make you feel very tired, sick to your stomach, and cause your hair to fall out. But these problems go away after treatment ends. There are ways to treat most chemo side effects. Radiation uses high-energy rays like x-rays to kill cancer cells.

Radiation is not usually used to treat the main spot on the skin. But it may be used after surgery to help keep the melanoma from coming back.

If your doctor suggests radiation treatment, talk about what side effects might happen. The most common side effects of radiation are:. Most side effects get better after treatment ends. Some might last longer. Talk to your cancer care team about what you can expect. Clinical trials are research studies that test new drugs or other treatments in people.