DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am concerned about a family member who was diagnosed with melanoma. Could you please write a column with advice concerning its treatment? I read your column everyday and really respect your opinion and knowledge.
DEAR READER:
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It develops in the cells that produce melanin which is responsible for skin coloration. It most often affects the skin but can also occur in the eyes or rarely, internal organs.
Melanomas usually occur on areas that are repeatedly exposed to sunlight such as on the face, arms, legs or back. Less commonly they can form on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or even fingernail beds.
The most common early sign of melanoma development is a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new, unusual-looking growth. Normal moles are generally uniformly colored (tan or brown), symmetrical in shape (an oval or circle), have a distinct border between it and the skin, and can be up to ¼ inch in diameter (rarely larger).
Moles that may indicate melanoma often have one or more of the following: irregular shape, change in color or texture, increase in size, become itchy, scaly, bleed or ooze, and the pigment may spread beyond the border of the mole.
The cause of melanoma is unknown but UV light from the sun and tanning beds and lamps greatly increase the risk of developing this form of cancer. It is important to keep an eye on all existing moles and watch for new ones. Most moles develop by age 20 but on occasion, new, harmless ones may appear. Persons with a family or personal history of abnormal skin lesions or skin cancer should be screened annually by a dermatologist.
Early stage melanomas can usually be excised (cut out) and require no other treatment (except regular follow-up and screenings). In this instance the melanoma, a small border of the normal skin around it and the skin layer beneath it are removed. The outlook is best when the cancer is small and confined only to the skin.
For larger melanomas that have spread beyond the skin, treatment depends on the size, location, amount of spread and the individual. Some lesions can be excised which may relieve symptoms, perhaps for years. Others may require chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy.
Clinical trials are new therapy studies that have yet to be approved for melanoma treatment. Those individuals who enroll in such trials have an opportunity to try evolving therapies. No treatment is guaranteed and the full range of potential side effects is unknown.
Prevention includes avoiding the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM when solar rays are the strongest, wearing sun screen year-round with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, wearing protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat when out of doors, and avoiding tanning beds.
Some medications can increase sun sensitivity. If you are on a medication that makes you more sensitive to sunlight, take extra precautions when outside. If any question remains, speak with your physician or an oncologist.
DEAR READERS: I received a two-page email from Dr. Steven E. Warren, regarding Xocai, a dark chocolate product mentioned in my column.
A reader wrote to me, indicating Xocai is used to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings, and to reduce inflammatory problems such as arthritis, as well. She went on to state Xocai is currently being promoted and sold by pyramid selling methods, so she questioned the validity of the claims. Having never heard of Xocai, I didn’t know if it could be purchased at my local pharmacy, grocery, or health food store, but I know more now.
When I went online to educate myself, I found MXI Corporation was established in 2005 and is based out of Reno, Nevada. Xocai is claimed to be a natural appetite suppressant and energy booster and a home-based business opportunity. Apparently this is where my reader got the impression it is sold through pyramid selling methods.
I was amazed to find claims of “Earn $2,000 to $40,000 a month with Xocai” and “join top earning distributors and earn 6 figures” when viewing the possible hits on my screen. I don’t know about my readers’ earning capabilities, but that’s a lot of money! I should add that the individual promoting the monthly sales was not from an MXI website; however, he claims to be a top distributor for MXI. He concluded by stating Xocai is a registered trademark of MXI Corporation.
I stand by my statement that in an attempt to improve general health, we should all eat healthful meals to include fresh fruits and vegetables, include exercise, and enjoy chocolate as a special treat, not as a daily function.
My furthest thought was to cause disharmony for buyers and sellers. When it comes to pyramid schemes, my personal opinion is that they should be avoided but I did not say Xocai was sold using this method, simply that ALL pyramid schemes should be avoided. Unless MXI’s home-based business opportunity is more than just that, there isn’t an issue here. If one wants to consume Xocai or other forms of dark chocolate because they believe it to benefit health, then do so, but just remember to include a nutritious and balanced diet as well.
About Dr. Gott