After reading this, I am now very scared....It is about skin cancer...
By Feona1962
@Feona1962 (7526)
United States
March 3, 2008 10:33pm CST
What are the risk factors for melanoma?
Persons with the following characteristics may be at an increased risk for melanoma:
blond or red hair....
blue eyes....
fair complexion....
family history of melanoma....
a changed or changing mole....
many ordinary moles (more than 50).....
many freckles....
an immunosuppressive disorder....
dysplastic nevi....
sun exposure...
The amount of time spent unprotected in the sun directly affects your risk of skin cancer....
inability to tan...
What are the symptoms of melanoma?...
The following are the most common symptoms of melanoma. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
change in the size, shape, or color of a mole...
oozing or bleeding from a mole...
a mole that feels itchy, hard, lumpy, swollen, or tender to the touch...
I have 6 of the factors on the top...
My mother died of Melanoma...she was 29 years old...
I have all of the symptoms....yikes!
After reading this information I am going to call my doctor right away...
Does anyone have any advice?
4 people like this
7 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
4 Mar 08
You said you ave the top 6 symptoms and though they are important, only the changing mole one is a real alert at this time. So yes you should see your doctor right away....
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
7 Mar 08
I didn't become worried until more moles appeared on my back and they itch, bleed and ooze..They are driving me insane...that is when I got worried that it may be something to get checked out..thank you...
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
30 Mar 08
Thanks for the BR..So did you get those moles checked out??
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
4 Mar 08
The best advice ANYBODY can give you is to go see your doctor right away. Especially since it runs in your family. My dad had this as well and has had several removed. Luckily he's been able to catch them all in time. You can too if you go see your doctor right away.
2 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
5 Mar 08
This is the best advice and first thing I am going to do...thank you..
1 person likes this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
4 Mar 08
Hi gabs, I am going to make an appointment with my primary doctor and maybe he will suggest seeing a dermatologist...I will be glad when I know something more...I am going to think positive..thank you so much...I will let you know...
3 people like this
@thebeing (657)
• Romania
5 Mar 08
my only advice is don't panic over nothing!
If you have one or more risk factors doesn't mean that you'll have melanoma. not at all. these factors were found in many people with melanoma, and that's why they're considered risk factors. you can have all of them and not have melanoma ever, or you could have 1 (which would be a basic risk factor) and have melanoma.
if your mother had melanoma, you should consult you doctor, as there are screening test for all the cancer. Your doctor should be able to tell you when to "panic" (i mean, when to get more alert and get a professional opinion).
take care
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
5 Mar 08
Awww Terry please go and check it out with your doctor, you're getting me worried too. I'm sure all is ok. Please let us know how it goes :) HUGSSS
1 person likes this
@RetiredArmyMan (74)
• United States
5 Mar 08
I hope you see your doctor soon because cancer is no joke and nothing to take chances with. Hope it's not cancer but it's better to be safe than sorry.
1 person likes this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
5 Mar 08
I will call him first thing in the morning for an appt..I know all about cancer and how it must be taken seriously..thank you..
