The boring bit.
What this actually is, how it gets treated, and how to be useful. Written by me, checked against sources that know better.
Melanoma, in plain English
Melanoma is a cancer that starts in melanocytes, the skin cells that make pigment. It is less common than other skin cancers but more likely to spread, which is why it gets taken seriously.
Stage 3 means it has moved beyond the original spot into nearby lymph nodes, or into the skin and vessels around it. It has not been found in distant organs. That is called regional disease, and it is not stage 4.
The B is a sub-stage inside stage 3, running from A to D. It is worked out from how thick the original tumour was, whether the surface had broken down, and how much has reached the lymph system.
How it's treated
Stage 3 melanoma is treated with the aim of getting rid of it. The usual toolkit looks like this.
- SurgeryRemoving the original site and, where needed, the affected lymph nodes.
- ImmunotherapyDrugs that stop the cancer hiding from the immune system. They can be given after surgery, and newer approaches give them before it as well.
- Targeted therapyTablets for melanomas that carry a particular BRAF gene change. Only some tumours qualify. Mine does, so I'm BRAF positive and this is one of my options.
- Scans and check-upsRegular follow-up appointments for years afterwards.
Which of these I get depends on my tests and my medical team. I'm currently waiting on an appointment for more full body scans, which will show what I need. I'll put the real plan in the updates as I learn it.
Please don't google survival rates
Most numbers online describe people treated years ago, before modern immunotherapy. They are out of date, and they are not about me. If you want to know how I'm doing, ask me or read the updates.
Be useful, not careful
Pick me ups accepted
- Fried chicken.
- Steak.
- Whiskey, as long as it isn't smoky.
- Tell me your normal news. I want it.
- A million pounds.
- Videos of stupid dogs and children falling over.
Use the fear: check your skin
Melanoma found early is far easier to deal with. Look at your moles and marks for these five things.
One half doesn't match the other.
Ragged, notched or blurred edges.
More than one shade, or patchy.
Wider than about 6 mm, a pencil eraser.
Changing in size, shape or colour, or itching and bleeding.
Spot one? Book it in with a doctor or dermatologist, and don't wait for a better week. Wear SPF 30 or higher, and stay off sunbeds.
People who actually know
- Cancer Research UK: melanomaClear explanations of stages and treatment.
- Macmillan Cancer Support: melanomaPractical information and support lines.
- Melanoma Research AllianceResearch news and patient resources.