What Patients Say About Cancer Treatment at New Hope
What Is Cutaneous Melanoma?
Battling a progressive disease begins with being armed with essential information.
Cutaneous melanoma is the most common type of melanoma—a dangerous form of skin cancer. Cutaneous melanoma occurs in all skin parts and surfaces, including but not limited to the palms of your hand, the soles of your feet, the skin between your toes and fingers, and even underneath the finger and toenails.
Cutaneous Melanomas We Treat at New Hope Unlimited
There are five types of cutaneous melanomas, including:
Superficial Spreading Melanoma (SSM)
SSM accounts for about 70 percent of all melanomas. In most cases, it occurs in a previously benign (noncancerous) mole. Superficial spreading melanoma is commonly found on the trunk and back of men. In women, it arises more frequently on the legs and back.
Nodular Melanoma
15 percent of melanomas fall under this category. Nodular melanoma is the most aggressive type of melanoma, meaning it grows and spreads faster than other cancers. The disease is more common in males aged 60 and older, but it can develop at any age and in women.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM)
ALM accounts for about 5 percent of all diagnosed melanomas. It is responsible for about 50 percent of melanomas in Asians, as well as in men and women with dark skin. These rare cancers can develop anywhere on the body.
Desmoplastic Melanoma (DM)
Desmoplastic melanoma is a rare subtype of cutaneous melanoma, in which fibrous tissue surrounds the cancer cells. DM most commonly develops on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the head and neck.
Lentigo Maligna Melanoma (LMM)
10 percent of diagnosed melanomas are lentigo maligna melanoma. It usually occurs on the face of middle-aged to elderly individuals who have experienced excessive sun damage.
Cutaneous Melanoma Symptoms
Doctors use the letters ABCDE to identify the characteristics of moles most likely to form melanoma. When your doctor examines your moles, he or she will take note of the following:
- A = Asymmetry — sides of the mole are different than the other
- B = Border — melanomas usually have uneven borders
- C = Color — melanomas tend to have different colors in a single lesion
- D = Diameter — melanomas are sometimes larger than benign moles
- E = Evolution — melanomas change over time
If you suspect signs of cutaneous melanoma in a mole or lesion, consult your dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Cutaneous Melanoma Causes
The leading risk factor for melanoma and other skin cancers is unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Excessive exposure to sunlight and tanning bed beams are the primary culprits behind cancer-causing skin damage.
Other factors that may increase your risk for cutaneous melanoma are:
- History of painful, peeling sunburns
- Naturally fair skin, light-colored eyes, blond hair, or red hair
- A substantial number of moles or atypical moles
- Personal or family history of skin cancers and melanomas
- Weakened immune system due to previous cancer treatments
Not everyone with risk factors develops cutaneous melanoma and vice versa. If you have risk factors, discuss each one with your doctor.
Diagnostic Tests for Cutaneous Melanoma
Early diagnosis is key to improving your cutaneous melanoma prognosis and life expectancy. If your dermatologist or physician suspects an unusual skin growth, they may perform a biopsy to identify cancer cells.
You may undergo one or more of the following skin biopsies:
- Punch biopsy
- Shave biopsy
- Fine needle aspirate (FNA)
- Incisional biopsy
- Excisional biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
Why Choose Us for Cutaneous Melanoma Alternative Treatments?
Allow us to take you under our wing and provide the comprehensive care you deserve. New Hope Unlimited customizes treatment programs for your specific needs, ensuring you receive the most advanced care with the least impact on your body. Our detoxification and anti-tumor protocols not only slow down the spread of cancer cells and improve immune function, but they also rehabilitate psychological wellness and overall well-being. Click here to learn more about cancer treatments with few side effects, quick recovery, and does not harm healthy tissues.
Our Approach
Advanced Treatments for Cutaneous Melanoma
Top-Rated Physicians
Personal Care
Patient SatisfactionOur Patient-Centric Medical Facilities
At New Hope Unlimited, we pride ourselves in providing superior comfort, cleanliness, and cancer care at our 8,000 square foot medical treatment center in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. We worked with renowned architects and contractors to create the ideal space for recovery, which includes state-of-the-art lounge areas and spacious private in-rooms that assure the comfort of our patients and their loved ones.
To make our patients feel right at home, we equip each private ward with high-definition U.S. television, quality bedding, and high-speed internet connection. And with proper nutrition playing a vital role in cancer recovery, New Hope Unlimited also fulfills the dietary needs of each patient using fresh, organic produce to prepare breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners.
Comfort and cleanliness are also strictly implemented in our medical treatment rooms, which are equipped with the latest medical supplies and technology to provide the highest standard of care and treatment. Our medical center also has an in-house Hyperbaric Chamber, a well-established therapy for decompression sickness, exclusively available for our patients’ use.
Further, New Hope Unlimited has maintained its exceptional partnership with Hospital Migoo, a medical group composed of certified physicians and specialists committed to our patients’ care and well-being.
Stories of New Hope
Life-changing tales of our cancer patients and survivors.
FAQs
1. Are there ways to prevent skin cancer?
Wearing sunscreen before heading out in the sun and avoiding tanning beds are some of the best defenses against skin cancers. Read 5 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer to learn more about how you can minimize your risk.
2. Is proper nutrition important in successful cancer therapy?
Yes, which is why we offer nutrient supplementation at New Hope Unlimited. Cutaneous melanoma is a wasting disease and almost 50 percent of cancer patients die from malnutrition. There are also many superfoods, like kale and broccoli, that may help combat skin cancers.
