What Are Some of the Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Melanoma? The symptoms and warning signs for melanoma are often referred to as the ABCDEs, which is a way to check moles on the skin: A = Asymmetry—The two halves of the mole do not match.
B = Border irregularity—The mole’s borders are irregular or fuzzy rather than sharp. C = Color variegation—In addition to brown and black, other colors are present.
D = Diameter—The mole is bigger than the eraser on a pencil. E = Evolving—The mole has changed in size, shape, or color.
What Causes Malignant Melanoma? Because there are so few cases of malignant melanoma in children, very few studies for children have been done. However, children appear to have the same risk factors as adults, including having • a relative who had melanoma • the presence of many moles or unusual moles • a history of skin cancer (treated with medication that decreases immune system function) • fair skin and sun sensitivity • a history of sunburns
• a history of excessive use of tanning beds. Additional risk factors in children include • the presence of melanoma at birth • the presence of a giant mole (giant congenital nevus) • diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum • Werner’s syndrome
• family history of genetic retinoblastoma • post-bone marrow or kidney transplant • neurocutaneous melanosis.
What Is the Common Treatment and Outcome for Malignant Melanoma? The treatment of children with melanoma depends on its location and stage. Children are often treated with similar therapies as adults. The stage of melanoma depends on the depth of the tumor. Surgery is the first line of treatment, and a wide surgical excision is necessary. If lymph nodes are involved, chemotherapy will be used as well. Patients will require close follow-up with skin examinations every 3–6 months.
n ADRENOCORTICAL CARCINOMA
What Is Adrenocortical Carcinoma? Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare cancer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidney and are important to the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system. The cortex—the outer part of the
6
Powered by FlippingBook