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Hypochondriac (hī-pō-kon’drē-ak): a person with somatic over-concern, including morbid attention to the details of bodily functioning and exaggeration of any symptoms no matter how insignificant.
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Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It begins in skin cells called melanocytes (the cells cells that make melanin, which gives skin its color and protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays). When people spend time in the sunlight, the melanocytes make more melanin and cause the skin to tan. This also happens when skin is exposed to other forms of ultraviolet light (i.e. tanning booth). Too much UV light may cause melanocytes to begin to grow abnormally and become cancerous. This condition is called melanoma. Symptoms: Remember ABCDE! Asymmetry Melanomas
are generally asymmetric, meaning that one side of the mole looks
different from the other. Ordinary moles are usually symmetric,
either round or oval. Borders Melanomas
have uneven borders (edges) that are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Ordinary moles have even borders. Color
Melanomas have uneven
coloring. They may have patchy areas of brown,
blue, red, tan, white, gray, or pink. Ordinary
moles are usually an even shade of brown or tan. Diameter Melanomas
are usually more than ¼ inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil
eraser) but some may be smaller than this size. Ordinary moles are
usually smaller and stay the same size and shape. Evolution Melanomas usually change in size, shape, or color over a short period of time. Ordinary moles stay the same size, shape, and color for many years. If you are concerned about a suspicious looking mole please consult with your primary care physician or a dermatologist. Early diagnosis is vital in the successful treatment of malignant melanoma. Treatment: Surgery is the first treatment for all stages of melanoma. The tumor is removed (by either a dermatologist or surgeon), along with some surrounding tissue. In some cases, a skin graft may be needed to replace skin that has been removed. If the melanoma has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, the affected lymph nodes may also be removed surgically. Surgery is usually the only treatment needed for people with early-stage melanomas (thinner melanomas that have not spread to the lymph nodes). Once a person has had melanoma, there is a higher chance of getting it again. Begin overcoming hypochondria today with hypnosis Please send comments and suggestions to:
Note:
The information on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your physician to
discuss any health concerns that you may have.
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