I see puppy. Or a kitty.
I see a fish. Or a bunny.
I see a turtle.
A Rorschach test is a psychological examination in which a person’s perceptions of inkblots are studied through the science of psychology. The most serious form of skin cancer –melanoma, on the other hand, is much different. While only about 4% of skin cancer is melanoma, melanoma spreads rapidly, and it can kill. In fact, 75% of skin cancer related deaths come from melanoma (about 48,000 deaths a year around the world). But if diagnosed early, doctors can cure melanoma about 95% of the time.
Males, and especially Caucasian males, are in the highest risk category. Early warning signs include changes to the shape or color of existing moles (it may itch, ulcerate or bleed). Once the melanoma metastasizes, a person may experience any number of more serious symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting and fatigue.
An easy way to remember the signs and symptoms of melanoma is the mnemonic “ABCDE”:
Watch for an Asymmetrical skin lesion.
Its Border is irregular.
Melanomas usually have multiple Colors.
Watch the Diameter of the mole: moles greater than 6 mm are more likely to be melanomas than smaller moles.
Be aware of the mole Enlarging or Evolving.
Should the melanoma metastasize, the following staging terminology applies:
Stage 0: Melanoma in Situ. This has a 99.9% patient survival rate.
Stage I/II: Invasive Melanoma. This has an 85-99% patient survival rate.
Stage II: High Risk Melanoma. Here, the survival rate drops to 40-85%. Stage III: Regional Metastasis. This has a 25-60% patient survival rate.
Stage IV: Distant Metastasis. In melanoma’s most serious form, the survival rate is 9-15%.
Melanoma is serious, but if detected early, it is very treatable. Left untreated, the prognosis is poor. Check your skin regularly, and if you spot anything suspicious, contact your dermatologist immediately.
