It may be difficult to know when a typical problem may become more serious. Learn the facts and stats about mucosal melanoma.
MUCOSAL MELANOMA:
Uncovering the Mystery
MELANOMA.ORG
Common sites of Mucosal Melanoma
Head/Neck Region
Nose: Nose bleeds, breathing difficulty, pain inside the nose Mouth: Masses inside the mouth, lips, cheeks, mouth ulcers and difficulty or pain when swallowing or speaking
Gastrointestinal tract
Abdominal pain
Anus
Vaginal/ vulva
Pain or bleeding from the anus or a protruding mass, diarrhea, constipation
Vaginal bleeding, discharge, pain or itching in the area
Piecing Together Mucosal Melanoma’s Profile
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&
Across:
1. The 5-year survival rate for mucosal melanoma is 14% compared to 80% for melanoma. 7. The only curative treatment is , which can be challenging depending on the location of the tumor.
Down:
2. Based on where mucosal melanoma originates in the body, light isn’t considered a major risk factor. 3. Mucosal melanoma typically affects patients in their 70s, about a older than cutaneous melanoma. 4. Most doctors subdivide mucosal melanoma into
: head/neck,
gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract. 5. The most common site for mucosal melanoma is the
& region. 6. The incidence of mucosal melanoma in the U.S. is approximately 1.5 cases per .
*Answers on back
How often should you have preventative check-ups?
Physical check-up: Everyone should have a yearly exam.
Dental check-up: Everyone should have an exam every 6 months.
Colonoscopy: Everyone should schedule an exam starting at age 45 and then every 10 years or as often as recommended by your doctor.
Papanicolaou (PAP) test: Women should schedule an exam starting at age 21 and then every 3 years or as often as recommended by your doctor.
MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION 1420 K Street, NW, 7th Floor Washington, DC 20005 202.347.9675 or 800.673.1290 Find us online: www.melanoma.org
Across:
1. CUTANEOUS 7. SURGICAL RESECTION
Down:
2. ULTRAVIOLET 3. DECADE 4. SUBREGIONS 5. HEAD & NECK 6. MILLION
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