melanomas
Dangerous pigmented tumors
Melanomas is the plural of melanoma, a type of skin cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Melanomas are among the most aggressive cancers if not caught early, capable of spreading to other organs: The dermatologist found two melanomas on his back.
Sun exposure and tanning beds increase risk.
Cancer spreading beyond origin
- tumorAbnormal tissue mass
- carcinomaEpithelial malignant tumor
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
- immunotherapyDisease treatment via body's defenses
radiation · biopsy · prognosis · staging · remission · oncologist · lymph nodes · sentinel node
Magnified skin surface examination
- dermatoscopeMagnifying instrument for skin
- excisionCutting out of tissue
- lesionArea of pathological change
- pigmentationNatural tissue coloring
surgical margins · skin biopsy · dermatologist · punch biopsy · skin grafting · wound healing · scar
Absence of balanced form
- diameterDistance across through center
- evolvingChanging gradually over time
- warning signsIndicators of impending danger
- self-examinationScrutiny of one's thoughts
early detection · visual inspection · bleeding · itching · ulceration · nodular
Light from sky reaching skin
- ultraviolet radiationLight beyond visible violet
- sunburnUV-induced skin inflammation
- tanning bedsUV exposure booths
- sunscreenUV-blocking skin cream
SPF · sun protection · photodamage · indoor tanning · UVA · UVB · sun safety · protective clothing
metastasis
Cancer spreading beyond origin
- tumorAbnormal tissue mass
- carcinomaEpithelial malignant tumor
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
immunotherapy · radiation · biopsy · prognosis · staging · remission · oncologist · lymph nodes · sentinel node · survival rate
dermoscopy
Magnified skin surface examination
- dermatoscopeMagnifying instrument for skin
- excisionCutting out of tissue
- lesionArea of pathological change
pigmentation · surgical margins · skin biopsy · dermatologist · punch biopsy · skin grafting · wound healing · scar
asymmetry
Absence of balanced form
- diameterDistance across through center
- evolvingChanging gradually over time
- warning signsIndicators of impending danger
self-examination · early detection · visual inspection · bleeding · itching · ulceration · nodular
sun exposure
Light from sky reaching skin
- ultraviolet radiationLight beyond visible violet
- sunburnUV-induced skin inflammation
- tanning bedsUV exposure booths
sunscreen · SPF · sun protection · photodamage · indoor tanning · UVA · UVB · sun safety · protective clothing · shade
mole removal
Eliminating raised skin spots
in situ
At original location