One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. In the U.S. alone, more individuals are diagnosed with melanoma than any other type of cancer. Melanoma has grown into an epidemic over the years. This disease can certainly spread and potentially kill its host if left untreated. The vast majority of melanoma cases are due to excessive UV exposure, from the sun. Mole screening is an effective screening tool to catch pre skin cancer before it manifests.

Melanoma treatment will depending on the size and stage of the cancer itself. For early stage treatments, melanoma can be very thin, which means it may be removed via biopsy. Surgeons will also remove a bit of surrounding skin as well as layer of tissue that’s beneath the mole or lesion. Biopsies are typically tested in a lab, and if found non-cancerous, generally require no further procedures. Melanoma that has spread beyond the skin could be a lot more difficult to remove. The treatment options can come in various forms, including:

1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be effectively used to destroy skin cancer. This type of therapy comes in pill form, or it can be administered intravenously. Isolated-limb perfusion is the technique of choice because it will allow for the drugs to directly attack the melanoma without harming other areas of the body.

2. Radiology
Radiation therapy utilizes high-powered energy beams to destroy cancerous cells. This x-ray type of treatment has also been used to relieve the symptoms that have spread throughout the body.

3. Biological therapy
This treatment aims to boost the immune system to better fight cancerous cells. This type of therapy consists of natural and man-made substances, which can result in giving the patient a fever, muscle aches and headaches.

Mole screening and melanoma treatments are great ways to ensure that we catch this deadly disease before it spreads.