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Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

This cancer is more common in women, occurring on the ears around the facial area, and neck or perhaps areas exposed to extreme sun for long periods. Fifty and above is the usual age that this form will appear, and is preceded by a precancerous stage, years in advance of melanoma.

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

Caucasians and women are the most likely candidates for this disease. The flat mole like lesions will most likely appear first on the lower legs or upper back and will grow to be a mounded, unevenly shaped surface. The area surrounding will be disproportionate in shape and jagged.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

People of African and Asian kinship are most commonly afflicted with this Melanoma. The areas of cancer are flat and dark brown with bumpy, brown, black or sometimes-bluish black in color, on the surface of the skin. They will likely appear on the mucous membranes, palms of the hands, bottom of the feet, and the nail beds of the fingers and toes.

There are a number of less known cancers that also affect the skin. Mycosis fungoides is a type of lymphoma cancer affecting mostly the skin. It will first be noticed as a rash that is prickly and irritating and will hang around for several years. This can, over a period spread. It will become harder to the touch and sore, if left without treatment will spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs. This cancer is unusual and very slow growing and is tough to diagnose.

Another type of skin cancer that appears anywhere on the body but tends to show up on the legs, mucous membranes, upper torso and toes is called Kaposi’s sarcoma. The lesions are pink, purplish, brown or red. This was once unusual and slow progressing. However, since the AIDS epidemic began, it has become more common and is associated with a weakened immune system. Those who have AIDS have a more contentious and invasive form that will affect the lymph notes and internal organs.

According to the “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Drs. James and Phyllis Balch, an estimated 600,000 Americans develop some type of skin cancer each year. Of these 600,000 individuals, 10,000 will succumb to the disease. Skin cancer can be treated when discovered in the early stages. More than 90 percent are completely cured. Consequently, we should be aware of any abnormal changes or conditions in respect to our skin, and react quickly by checking with our physician.