Melanoma is the most serious type of Skin Cancer which develops when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its colour), triggers mutations (genetic defects) that leads to rapidly multiplying skin cells and forming malignant tumors.
• Melanoma can also form in your eyes and, rarely, in internal organs, such as your intestines.
Melanoma Details
Melanoma is a serious form of Skin Cancer that develops when melanocytes (or pigment producing Skin cells) mutate and become Cancerous. Most pigment cells which produces Melanin that are found in the Skin, but melanoma can also occur in the Eyes (ocular melanoma) and other parts of the body (including the tissues around the brain and Spinal cord and The Intestine).
• It is rare in people with darker Skin.
• In men, melanoma usually develops on the trunk, head, or neck, while in women, it normally develops on the arms and legs.
• It can be dangerous than the other forms of Skin Cancer as it is more likely to spread, or metastasize to other parts of the body, causing serious illness and death.
• Cutaneous or Skin melanomas are very difficult to recognize.
• Most melanomas can be cured with relatively minor surgery if detected in early stage.
Melanomas can develop anywhere on the Skin, but certain areas are more prone than others.
• In men it is most likely to affect the chest and the back.
• In women, the legs are the most common affected area.
• Other common sites are the neck and face.
Prevention of Melanoma
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Wear sunscreen all the time.
• Wear protective clothing that covers the arms, legs, and face when you go outside.
Types of Tumor
1) Benign
1) Benign – Non-Cancerous (cannot spread or grow, or they do so very slowly) and if removed, they do not generally return.
• Benign tumors cells are non-Cancerous (cannot spread or grow, or they do so very slowly) and if removed, they do not generally return.
• Most benign tumors are not harmful, but can cause pain (or other problems) if they press against nerves or blood vessels (or if they trigger the overproduction of Hormones such as in the The Endocrine System).Examples include:
a) Adenomas
b) Fibroids (Fibromas)
c) Hemangiomas
d) Lipomas
e) Myomas
f) Nevi (Moles)a) Adenomas
a) Adenomas – They develop in Glandular epithelial tissue, which is the thin membrane that covers glands, organs, and other structures in the body.
Examples include:
• Polyps in the colon
• Fibroadenomas (a common form of benign breast tumor)
• Hepatic Adenomas (occur on the liver)b) Fibroids (Fibromas)
b) Fibroids (Fibromas) – They are benign tumors that can grow on the fibrous (or connective) tissue of any organ, but the most common is Uterine Fibroids (can cause vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, urinary incontinence). Depending on the proportion of Fibers to cells, they can be soft or hard.
Examples include:
• Angiofibromas (can appear as small red bumps on the face)
• Dermatofibromas (appear on the Skin, often on the lower legs)c) Hemangiomas
c) Hemangiomas – They are benign tumors that form when blood vessels grow excessively (can appear as red Strawberry Marks on the Skin or they can develop inside the body).
d) Lipomas
d) Lipomas – They are a form of soft tissue, small, painless, rubbery, soft to the touch, and movable tumor consisting of fat cells, appearing at any age but often affect people from 40–60 years old, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). They often appear on the back, shoulders, arms, buttocks, and the tops of the legs.
Examples include:
• Fibrolipomas (contain fat cells and fibrous connective tissue).
• Angiolipomas (appear under the Skin).e) Myomas
e) Myomas – They are benign tumors that grow from muscle (or in the walls of blood vessels), but can also grow in smooth muscle (like those found inside organs such as the uterus or stomach).
f) Nevi (Moles)
f) Nevi (Moles) – They are very common benign tumors that grow on the Skin.
2) Pre-Malignant
2) Pre-Malignant – The cells are not yet Cancerous, but they have the potential to become malignant.
• Premalignant tumors cells are not yet Cancerous, but they have the potential to become malignant (needs close monitoring in case it changes).
Examples include:
a) Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis)
b) Cervical Dysplasia
c) Metaplasia of the Lung
d) Leukoplakiaa) Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis)
a) Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis) – Its growth involves Patches of crusty, scaly, and thick Skin, which is more likely to affect fair-skinned people, and sun exposure increases the risk. It sometimes transforms into squamous cell carcinoma.
b) Cervical Dysplasia
b) Cervical Dysplasia – It occurs when a change takes place in the cells that line the cervix and often stems from the human papillomavirus (HPV, an Infection that is common in young people). A doctor may find these cells during a Pap smear. The cells are not Cancerous, but they may become malignant 10–30 years later, resulting in Cervical Cancer.
c) Metaplasia of the Lung
c) Metaplasia of the Lung – These growths occur in the bronchi (the tubes that carry air into the lungs), where Glandular cells (found along the lining of the bronchi) are affected in some people (including Smoking). The cells are not Cancerous, but they may become malignant and become squamous cells, or Cancer.
d) Leukoplakia
d) Leukoplakia – Its a condition which causes thick white painless Patches to form in the mouth, having an irregular, slightly raised shape that are not possible to scrape off. Anyone with this type of patch should see a doctor if it does not go away within 2 weeks.
3) Malignant
3) Malignant – Cancerous (the cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body).
• Malignant tumors are Cancerous (the cells can develop/grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body), thus can become life threatening.
• Malignant tumors can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis.
• The Cancer cells that move to other parts of the body through there ability to invade other organs are the same as the original ones, meaning if Lung Cancer spreads to The Liver, the Cancer cells in The Liver are still Lung Cancer cells.Examples include:
a) Carcinoma
b) Sarcoma
c) Germ Cell Tumor
d) Blastomaa) Carcinoma
a) Carcinoma – They are the common type of malignant tumors which form from epithelial cells, which are present in the Skin and the tissue that covers or lines the body’s organs. Carcinomas can occur in The Stomach, Prostate, pancreas, lung, Liver, colon, or breast.
b) Sarcoma
b) Sarcoma – They are the tumors start/originate in connective tissue (such as cartilage, Bones, fat, and nerves) in the cells outside the Bone marrow.
c) Germ Cell Tumor
c) Germ Cell Tumor – They are the tumors that develop in the cells that produce sperm and eggs (usually occur in the ovaries or testicles, but they may also appear in the brain, abdomen, or chest).
d) Blastoma
d) Blastoma – They are the tumors that form from embryonic tissue (or developing cells) and blastomas are much more common in children than in adults, where they can lead to tumors in the brain, Eye, or Nervous System.
General Tumour Details
• A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that either form into a new growth or the growth was there when you were born (congenital). Tumors occur when something goes wrong with genes that regulate cell growth, allowing cells to grow and divide out of control.
• Tumors can form anywhere in the body.
• A tumor can move or press on sensitive tissue and block the flow of blood and other fluid, causing pain and inflammation.
Tumors Grading
1) Grade I (Low Grade) – The tumor cells look more like normal cells under a microscope and grow and spread more slowly than grade II, III and IV tumor cells. They rarely spread into nearby tissues. Grade I brain tumors may be cured if they are completely removed by surgery.
2) Grade II – The tumor cells grow and spread more slowly than grade III and IV tumor cells. They may spread into nearby tissue and may recur (come back). Some tumors may become a higher-grade tumor.
3) Grade III – The tumor cells tend to grow rapidly and can spread quickly into other CNS tissue. Tumor cells will look different than those in surrounding tissue.
4) Grade IV – The tumor cells do not look like normal cells under a microscope and grow and spread very quickly. There may be areas of dead cells in the tumor and usually cannot be cured.
What are the Key Differences Between Benign & Malignant Tumors
• Benign tumors do not invade nearby tissue, while malignant tumors is able to invade nearby tissue.
• Benign tumors cannot spread to other parts of the body, while malignant tumors can shed cells that travel through the blood or Lymphatic system to other parts of the body to form new tumors.
• Benign tumors normally don not return after they’re removed, while malignant tumors can return after being removed.
• Benign tumors usually have a smooth, regular shape, while malignant tumors may have an uneven shape.
• Benign tumors often move around if you push on them, while malignant tumors do not move around when you push on them.
• Benign tumors typically not life-threatening, while malignant tumors can be life-threatening.
• Benign tumors may (or may not) need treatment, while malignant tumors require treatment.
Prevention Methods for Tumors
Genetics plays a role, so you can’t prevent all tumors.
• Don’t use tobacco, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Avoid/Limit alcohol consumption.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Take plenty of Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, and Beans in your diet, while avoid/limit processed meats.
• Exercise regularly.
• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Get regular medical checkups and screenings.
Clinical Treatment of Melanoma
If detected early, melanoma can be surgically removed, but if it has spread too much for surgical removal, other standard treatments include:
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
Treating Malignant Tumors
Treatment for Cancerous tumors depends on many factors, such as where the primary tumor is located and whether it’s spread.
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy (biological therapy)
Causes of Melanoma
• The exact cause of all melanomas isn’t clear, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or Tanning lamps and beds increases the risk of developing melanoma.
• Limiting your exposure to UV radiation can help reduce your risk of melanoma.
• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or from Tanning beds.
Risk Factors for Melanoma
• White ancestry
• Fair Skin
• Light Hair and light-coloured Eyes
• A history of intense sun exposure
• Close blood relatives with melanoma
• Moles that are unusually numerous, large, irregular, or funny looking
Symptoms of Tumours (Melanoma)
• Moles (Anyone who has more than 100 moles is at greater risk for melanoma)
• Brown spots and growths on the Skin that are usually harmless (but not always).
Home Remedies for Skin Cancer
• Natural Anti-oxidants Rich Foods – Consume foods that contain anti-oxidants (such as Brussels Sprouts, Pistachios, tea, egg yolks, Zucchini, Cabbage, Citrus Fruits and several herbs, Garlic, and Cocoa).
• Essential Oils – Adding some Essential Oils (such as Lavender or German Chamomile oils) to bath can soothe the Skin in melanoma patients, but avoid using Bergamot oil as it enhances sun sensitivity of the Skin.
• Diet & Vitamins – Whole foods rich in Vitamins C, E, and A, Zinc, Selenium, Beta-Carotene (Carotenoids), Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lycopene, and Polyphenols.
• Vitamin C – Its Vitamin C content causes it to be toxic to Cancerous cells thus preventing (or decreasing) Skin Cancer cases, possibly due to its correlation between higher levels of Vitamin C in the blood and a lower overall risk of Cancer deaths. Enjoy a daily dose of Vitamin C from foods like Orange, Limes, Raspberries, Strawberries, and leafy greens.
• Vitamin E – Its a wonder anti-oxidant when it comes to natural remedies for Skin Cancer as it helps prevent damage from free radicals, absorbs the Energy from UV light, has Anti-Inflammatory properties, and also improves the Skin and vein’s ability to protect. Intake of Vitamin E from Almonds and nuts, Sunflower Seeds, and Spinach.
• Vitamin A – Its known to keep Skin supple and looking good, but found to lessen the risk factors of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The vitamin is in Carrots, Kale, Pumpkin, Broccoli, and more.
• Polyphenols – Polyphenols are a powerful Plant Compound containing powerful anti-oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and tumor-inhibiting properties that can help to prevent Skin Cancer and repair DNA in UV-exposed Skin (which reduces cell damage). One of the best home remedies for Skin Cancer is sipping a mug of warm tea.
• Zinc – Zinc helps the Immune System function (so it can fight Cancer and diseases and helps to activate certain antioxidants in the body), can increase the level of Proteins in DNA repair and reduce the type of DNA damage that leads to Cancer.
• Selenium – A higher intake of Selenium shows a 31% lower risk of Cancer and a 40% lower risk of Cancer deaths.
• Beta-Carotene – Beta-Carotene offers health benefits by converting to Vitamin A in the body.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Its a more natural option and the best diet for treating melanoma and other types of Skin Cancer as it inhibit COX-2 (a chemical that promotes the progression of Skin Cancer), and reduces inflammation.
• Lycopene – Lycopene rich foods such as Tomatoes and Papaya, consumed raw (or slightly Steamed) makes great natural cures for Skin Cancer. You can find Lycopene in foods like Watermelon, Papaya, Guava, Apricots, and pink Grapefruit.
• Vegetables – Certain Vegetables (especially green leafy Vegetables, Sweet Potatoes and Spinach) have some excellent healing properties, helps in maintaining the levels of vital oils in treating melanoma Skin Cancer (Omega 3 and 6 oils) in the body.
Herbal Remedies for Tumours (Cyst)
1) A good double handful of Horsetail is put into a sieve and this is placed over a pot of boiling water. The soft, hot herbs are placed between a pieces of linen and applied to the tumour, growth, cyst, ulcer, adenoma, melanoma, papilloma, or hematoma.
• In very serious cases the application of the plaster is started in the morning while the patient is still in bed and left on for 2 hours.
• In the afternoon it is applied again while in bed for 2 hours, and again overnight.
2) During midday Swedish Bitters as a dressing is applied for 4 hours. First the area is smeared with oil or Calendula ointment, then a piece of cotton wool, moistened with Swedish Bitters, and a dry piece of cotton wool on top is applied, covered with a piece of plastic and finally well wrapped with a cloth.
• After removal of the dressing, the skin has to be powdered to prevent the development of a rash.
3) Fresh Plantain and Cow Parsnip leaves are applied as a plaster for tumours, ulcers and growths which are external.
• Regularly and continuously applied, this plasters can bring about an improvement on the 5th day and a result after 10-14 days.
• The freshly pressed juice of Wood Sorrel (the leaves are washed and still wet put in the juice extractor) rubbed on the affected area is effective.
4) One (1) cup of Horsetail tea is drunk half an hour before Breakfast and another cup half an hour before the evening meal.
• 1.5-2 litres of a tea made from 300gm Calendula, 100gm Yarrow and 100gm Stinging Nettle (well-mixed) is drunk during the day. 3-5 drops of Wood Sorrel juice are added per cup of this tea. 6 times a day, if possible, a cup of the tea is taken in intervals of one hour.
Food Remedies for Melanoma
Apple Cider Vinegar
Beet Root
Coconut Oil
Eggplant
Garlic
Green Tea
Black Raspberry Seed Oil
Red Raspberries
Rosemary
Turmeric
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Its often used as a topical (and internal) treatment when it comes to home remedies for Skin Cancer, as its main active compound acetic acid can be used to reduce acidity in the body, based on the idea that it’s an alkalizing acid, where as Cancer is a result of a high level of acidity and a low level of oxygen in the body. Cancer cells produced lactic acid.
• Beet Root – Beet Roots are rich in sanguinarinem (a chemical which can counter malignant cells). Consuming Beet Root regularly helps cure Melanoma, making it one of the easiest natural cures for Skin Cancer.
• Coconut Oil – Its one of the most popular Skin Cancer natural treatment option often used as a moisturizer and in the treatment of itchy Skin. It fights against free radical formation and might help protect against Skin Cancer.
• Eggplant – Eggplants are one of the safest natural cures for Skin Cancer as it contains solasodine rhamnosyl Glycosides (an active Phytochemical normally found in all plants belonging to the Solanaceae family including Vegetables such as brinjal or Eggplant, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Potatoes) which works more effectively on melanoma when consumed raw (or dice 2-3 Eggplants and grind to a paste, mix 1 teaspoon of Vinegar to the paste and apply the paste on the affected areas and repeat). Its solasodine rhamnosyl Glycosides have been used as an effective topical Skin Cancer treatment (home remedy) for keratosis, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas.
• Garlic – Its an excellent Anti-Biotic, valuable Anti-Cancer that helps in boosting the Immune System and has been found to be very effective in protecting the Skin. Alternatively, it raw, juice extract may be applied on the Skin for its beneficial properties.
• Green Tea – Its loaded with Polyphenols that are rich in anti-oxidant properties and one of the best home remedies for melanoma. Its abundantly present epigallocatechin gallate helps stopping the spread of Melanoma and also destroys the existing Cancerous cells.
• Black Raspberry Seed Oil – Blackberry seeds oil fight Cancer cells, and well known for their immune-boosting properties and their ability to target the tumor itself.
• Red Raspberries – It contain abundant amounts of allantonin and ascorbyl that impede the proliferation of tumorous cells, thereby slowing down (or reverse) the spread of the disease. Raspberries can be eaten raw or crushed or their pulp can be applied to the affected areas.
• Rosemary – It contain carnosol that has anti-oxidant and Anti-Cancer properties, helpful when applied to the Skin to reduce burning sensation caused by radiation and chemotherapy.
• Turmeric – Turmeric contain curcumin which has miraculous healing properties, wonderful Anti-Inflammatory, anti-bacterial, excellent Anti-Biotic and anti-septic qualities, whereby anti-oxidants present in Turmeric help protect the Skin against damage (as a natural treatment for Skin Cancer).
Herbal Remedies for Melanoma
• Astragalus – Astragalus extract has great anti-oxidant (helps in boosting the Immune System and restoring the Skin to its original texture), amazing Anti-Inflammatory properties and one of the safest and most effective home remedies for Melanoma. Boil one teaspoon of Astragalus extract powder in a glass of Water and allow it to steep, Strain and drink while warm.
• Frankincense Oil – Its used as a healing agent and has also been noted for its cancer-fighting abilities in Cancers of the breast, bladder, and Skin.
• Myrrh Oil – Myrrh is a dried sap from a thorny tree that’s used to help treat a variety of diseases and can fight Cancer cells in Prostate, breast, and Skin Cancers.
• Sandalwood – Application of Sandalwood paste can combat the burning sensation or extreme dryness, alleviate and soothe irritation of the Skin.
• Tea Tree Oil – Its terpinen-4-oils (an active compound present in Tea Tree oil extracts) work on the Cancerous cells and helps in repairing the Skin, has an invigorating effect on the Immune System and enhances the growth of new tissues by repairing Skin lesions. It acts as an anti-fungal, has bactericidal and Anti-Microbial importance and one of the best natural remedies for Melanoma which can be applied locally few times a day for optimum effects. Apply 1-2 teaspoons of undiluted Tea Tree oil on the affected areas and allow it to sit for 2-3 hours, then repeat the process twice (2) daily for a couple of weeks.
