Melanoma

== =Melanoma= By Grace Steward and Ben Mullins


 * Introduction to Melanoma**

Melanoma is a type of fatal skin cancer. In fact it is the most deadly form of skin cancer. One in eighty-four people contract the Melanoma skin cancer, but this was from a study in 1997. Today it may be much more. Exposure to ultra violet (UV) rays is the leading risk factor for this and other skin cancers. So it's time to educate yourself about this fatal cancer.


 * Description of Melanoma**

Melanoma can usually be found on the skin. It looks like a strange looking mole on the skin. It starts as external on the skin, but it eventually becomes internal. Lower leg moles are a good sign of the cancer. Precancerous moles change size, shape, and color. So be sure to look out for these signs of Melanoma.


 * Causes**

One of the main causes of the cancer is overexposure to sunlight and it's UV rays. Sunburn contributes the development of Melanoma and other skin cancers. The use of tanning beds also can lead to the development of the skin cancer. Psoriasis is also a factor leading into skin cancer. It is a condition in which skin produces quickly, faster than usual, which can lead to cancer.


 * Reoccurring Cancer**

Many who have had the Melanoma cancer before may be at risk. These people are likely to get it again. Studies have shown that Melanoma can be dormant in a person who had it removed before. This cancer can go undetected and inactive for years, even decades after the cancerous tumor has been removed. Many events can also start up these cancer reoccurrences from dormant cells.


 * Cures and Treatments**

Like many cancers Melanoma doesn't have a specific or 100% effective cure. There have been many studies and tests on cures for melanoma and there has been progress. You can always surgically remove the area of the tumor. Chemotherapy isn't known to work very well on the cancer. Gene insertion, one of the studies, has been used to create cancer fighting cells in the body. Many other treatments are being developed using antibiotics, genes, and other genetics, though they haven't been confirmed. Cures are constantly being worked on.

Melanoma is a fatal skin cancer that goes beyond the skin, but if caught early you can almost be guaranteed to survive.


 * Works Cited**
 * 1) Fackelmann, K.A. "Skin Cancer's Return: How Big a Threat?" __Science News__ Volume 141 Issue 26 1992: 421. __Middle Search Plus.__ Web. 5 November 2009.
 * 2) Fackelmann, K.A. "The Dark Side of Sunlight: Skin Cancer." __Science News__ Vol. 146 Issue 26/27 1994: 422. __Middle Search Plus.__ Web. 5 November 2009.
 * 3) K.F. "Moles Heighten Skin Cancer Risk." __Science News__ Vol. 151 Issue 23 1997: 359. __Middle Search Plus__. Web. 5 November 2009.
 * 4) "Psoriasis Balm Boosts Melanoma Risk." __Science News__ Vol. 151 Issue 18 1997: 272. __Middle Search Plus__. Web. 7 November 2009.
 * 5) Raloff, J. "Sun Struck." __Science News__ Vol. 168 Issue 7 2005: 99. __Middle Search Plus.__ Web. 5 November 2009.
 * 6) Seppa, N. "Skin Cancer Makes Unexpected Reappearance." __Science News__. Vol. 151 Issue 25 1997: 383. __Middle Search Plus__. Web. 3 November 2009.

Picture Citation


 * 1) __Lentigo Malinga.__ May 2, 2008. __MayoClinic.com__. Web. 9 November 2009.