 |
|
Melanomas may appear noticeably different than other moles
January 22, 2008A preliminary study suggests that melanomas have a different appearance than other irregular skin moles (i.e., are "ugly ducklings"), according to a report in the January issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Rates of malignant melanoma continue to increase, and early identification allows surgeons to treat the disease by removing the tumor, according to background information in the article. The disease is more common in individuals with many moles or other skin marks, especially if the marks are atypical in color, shape or size. "The challenge for clinicians who diagnose and treat pigmented skin lesions is to distinguish between malignant melanoma and benign simulants," the authors write.
Alon Scope, M.D., of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, and colleagues obtained images of the backs of 12 patients from a database of standardized patient images. All of the patients had at least eight atypical moles, and five patients had one lesion that had been confirmed as a melanoma. Thirty-four study participants-including eight pigmented lesion experts, 13 general dermatologists, five dermatology nurses and eight non-clinical medical staff-were asked to evaluate the images and identify lesions that looked different from all other atypical moles.
All five melanomas and only three of 140 benign lesions (2.1 percent) were generally apparent as different, meaning that two-thirds of the participants identified them as "ugly ducklings." "The malignant melanomas were apparent as being different to at least 85 percent of participants, whereas the agreement rate on the benign lesions perceived as being different was 76 percent at most," the authors write. "Four lesions were generally apparent as completely different, all four being malignant melanomas."
For all participants, the test had a sensitivity of 90 percent, meaning 90 percent of the melanomas were identified as different. Sensitivity was 100 percent for the pigmented lesion experts, 89 percent for general dermatologists, 88 percent for nurses and 85 percent for non-clinicians.
"Although the sensitivity and specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the ugly duckling sign depended on clinical expertise, the values for these parameters were good in all subgroups of participants," the authors write. "These preliminary findings suggest that the ugly duckling sign may prove to be a useful screening strategy for primary health care providers and even for skin self-examination."
JAMA and Archives Journals
All five melanomas and only three of 140 benign lesions (2.1 percent) were generally apparent as different, meaning that two-thirds of the participants identified them as "ugly ducklings." "The malignant melanomas were apparent as being different to at least 85 percent of participants, whereas the agreement rate on the benign lesions perceived as being different was 76 percent at most," the authors write. "Four lesions were generally apparent as completely different, all four being malignant melanomas."
For all participants, the test had a sensitivity of 90 percent, meaning 90 percent of the melanomas were identified as different. Sensitivity was 100 percent for the pigmented lesion experts, 89 percent for general dermatologists, 88 percent for nurses and 85 percent for non-clinicians.
"Although the sensitivity and specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the ugly duckling sign depended on clinical expertise, the values for these parameters were good in all subgroups of participants," the authors write. "These preliminary findings suggest that the ugly duckling sign may prove to be a useful screening strategy for primary health care providers and even for skin self-examination."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Melanomas Current Events and Melanomas News RSSLaser therapy can aggravate skin cancer
High irradiances of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) should not be used over melanomas.
Hundreds of genes distinguish patients likely to survive advanced melanoma
Although the chances of surviving advanced melanoma aren't very good with current therapies, some patients can live for years with cancer that has spread beyond the skin to other organs.
Resident physicians seldom trained in skin cancer examination
Many resident physicians are not trained in skin cancer examinations, nor have they ever observed or practiced the procedure.
Identification of highly radiosensitive patients may lead to side effect-free radiotherapy
An international group of scientists has taken the first step on the road to targeting radiotherapy dosage to individual patients by means of their genetic characteristics.
Trial of new treatment for advanced melanoma shows rapid shrinking of tumors
Researchers have made significant advances in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma - one of the most difficult cancers to treat successfully once it has started to spread.
NIH study reveals new genetic culprit in deadly skin cancer
Drawing on the power of DNA sequencing, National Institutes of Health researchers have identified a new group of genetic mutations involved in the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma.
EphA2-targeted therapy delivers chemo directly to ovarian cancer cells
With a novel therapeutic delivery system, a research team led by scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has successfully targeted a protein that is over-expressed in ovarian cancer cells.
Novel epigenetic markers of melanoma may herald new treatments for patients
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, diagnosed in more than 50,000 new patients in the United States annually. While the rate of incidences continues to rise, survival rate has not improved and the race is on to find the genetic and cellular changes driving melanoma and to devise new means of detection and treatment.
Sight for sore eyes
In a world-first breakthrough, University of New South Wales (UNSW) medical researchers have used stem cells cultured on a simple contact lens to restore sight to sufferers of blinding corneal disease.
Topical Cream Studied as Way to Treat Skin Cancer without the Knife
In a case study of a type of melanoma skin cancer typically found on chronically sun-exposed skin, Saint Louis University researchers found that imiquimod, a topical cream, produced good results for patients when used together with surgery to treat the cancer, potentially helping doctors cut less.
More Melanomas Current Events and Melanomas News Articles
 |
Understanding Melanoma: What You Need to Know by Perry Robins; MD and Maritza Perez; MD (Author) Newly updated and now in its third edition, this handbook is written for melanoma patients, their families and friends, health professionals, and every person with an interest in the disease. This valuable book, written by two eminent dermatologist, tells all about melanoma from the moment of diagnosis through state- of-the-art treatments. Honest and straightforward, but reassuring in tone. Contrary to what many people fear, there is an excellent chance for a long and healthy life after diagnosis. Early warning signs and a step-by-step illustrated guide to self- examination of the skin are presented along with answers to the 25 questions most frequently asked about melanoma. There are specially-complied listing of information sources and support groups, a glossary which defines... |
 |
What You Really Need to Know about Moles and Melanoma (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Jill R. Schofield MD (Author), William A. Robinson MD PhD (Author) Throughout the world, the incidence of malignant melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate. This dramatic rise is largely due to more frequent and prolonged exposure to intense sun, the result of major changes in clothing styles, recreation, and lifestyle (including widespread access to midwinter resort vacations). Significantly, recent scientific studies have shown an increased number of moles on, and a higher rate of melanoma in, people with the greatest sunscreen use, pointing out the mistaken belief that using sunscreen means getting a "safe" tan. The truth is that most sunscreen provides protection from UVB rays—the rays that cause the sunburn you see and feel—but not from UVA rays—the cancer-causing rays that penetrate deeper into the skin. In this book, physicians... |
 |
Melanoma: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment; Second Edition (Yale University Press Health & Wellness) by Catherine M. Poole (Author), IV DuPont Guerry (Author) The incidence of melanoma has increased by 2000% since 1930, and one person dies each hour from the disease. This cutting-edge guide provides scientifically accurate information patients and their families need in order to understand melanoma and its treatment and to receive vital reassurance. It is also a resource for those who want information about preventing the disease or finding it early when it is most curable. Catherine M. Poole, a melanoma survivor and melanoma patient advocate for many national organizations, and Dr. DuPont Guerry, an internationally renowned melanoma expert, have collaborated to provide current, correct, and easily understood information on the disease. The authors have had first hand contact with a multitude of patients with melanoma, and they understand... |
 |
The Melanoma Book: A Complete Guide to Prevention and Treatment, Including the Early DetectionSelf-Exam Body Map by Howard L. Kaufman (Author) From the founder and Co-Director of the renowned Columbia University Melanoma Center, the first comprehensive guide to help you prevent—and survive—a diagnosis of melanoma. The fastest rising form of cancer worldwide, melanoma can strike at any age. Although rates of cure are higher than they used to be, experts often disagree about the best course of treatment and patients face a bewildering array of possibilities—often with precious little time to choose. Drawing on his years as one of the nation’s foremost researchers and specialists in the field of melanoma treatment, Dr. Howard L. Kaufman shares his easy- to-follow, whole-life plan for detecting melanoma early, making informed decisions after a diagnosis, and taking an active role in treatment. |
 |
Pathology of Melanocytic Nevi and Malignant Melanoma by Michael Piepkorn (Editor), Klaus J. Busam (Editor), Raymond L. Barnhill (Editor) Highly acclaimed and considered the leading reference in the field, Pathology of Melanocytic Nevi and Malignant Melanoma has now been fully revised and updated to accomodate rapid advances in the field of melanoma pathology. Drs. Michael Piepkorn and Klaus Busam have now joined Dr. Barnhill, world-renowned expert in dermatology and pathology, to expand the text with new sections on the genetics and cytogenetics of melanoma, sentinal lymph node biopsy, the new AJCC TNM staging system for melanoma, the mechanisms of melanoma metastasis. The successful focus and format of the first edition have been preserved. Each lesion and diagnosis is clearly illustrated, now with more than 340 new, digitally enhanced full-color photomicrographs and over 125 tables. A corresponding precis, or concise... |
 |
Cure Intraocular Melanoma T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Understanding Melanoma (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Melanoma is one of the most common forms of cancer, affecting more than 53,600 Americans each year. No one knows the exact causes of melanoma and doctors can rarely explain why one person gets melanoma and another does not. However, research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop melanoma than others. People who are concerned about developing melanoma should talk with their doctor about the disease and the symptoms to watch for. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Clearly Charming Black Ribbon Melanoma Awareness Italian Charm by Clearly Charming Black ribbon stands for melanoma awareness. It will make a great addition to your Italian charm bracelet or a perfect personalized gift. Commemorate special occasions, capture memorable moments, or simply show off your birthstone by creating your own original Italian charm bracelet. Add Clearly Charming premium quality interlocking modular Italian charm links to your Italian Charm Bracelet and create your own memory bracelet. |
 |
100 Questions & Answers about Melanoma & Other Skin Cancers by Edward F. McClay (Author), Mary-Eileen T. McClay (Author), Jodie Smith (Author) Whether you're a newly diagnosed skin cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend of either, this book offers help. The only text to provde the doctor and a patient's view, 100 Questions & Answers About Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by two skin healthcare professionals and a melanoma survivor, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease. |
|
Melanoma Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Melanoma Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Melanoma Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Melanoma Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |