My name is Jamie Turner and when I turned 22, I started to form a horrible case of acne. I used every cleanser and lotion I could find and I even asked my physician for a topical steroid cream to clear up the zits on my face. After six months of treatment, my physician completed a blood test that concluded that a hormone imbalance was causing my acne. I started on therapy to control the amount of estrogen my body produced. The therapy along with a good diet and exercise regimen helped to clear up my acne. I am sharing my story, because acne is not just a condition that affects teenagers. It can affect adults at any age, and it can cause a great deal of embarrassment. Don't let your acne go untreated. Read my blog instead and learn about both natural and medical treatments that can help you.
If you've recently received the sobering news that a mole that's been bothering you for the last few months is actually a potentially deadly melanoma, you may be wondering about your treatment options. Should you feel comfortable with the removal of the mole and a complete excision of any potentially cancerous tissue in the area as enough to eradicate the cancer for good? Or should you instead pursue a grueling regimen of chemotherapy or radiation to ensure that your cancer is permanently gone? Read on to learn more about the most commonly recommended treatment paths for those suffering from melanoma, as well as what you'll want to consider when deciding what treatment to pursue.
What types of melanoma treatment are most commonly recommended by oncologists?
Once you've had surgery to remove the melanoma, your oncologist may recommend one of several courses of treatment. The severity of the treatment regimen largely depends on the stage of your cancer, the extent to which it's spread through your body, and your overall health. If you're in good general health but facing an aggressive case of melanoma, your oncologist may recommend one of the toughest regimens possible to ensure that these tenacious cancer cells are eradicated from your body for good. On the other hand, if you've got other health issues and are dealing with a less aggressive melanoma growth, your oncologist may recommend a longer-term treatment that monitors your white blood count and other important metrics rather than pumping your body full of chemicals and radiation.
In general, unless your melanoma was caught at a very early stage or your health isn't good enough to support an extensive treatment regimen, it will be recommended that you undergo at least a brief period of chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments, either alone or in tandem, can help reduce the odds that your melanoma will return at a later date.
What should you consider when deciding the treatment option to pursue for your melanoma?
It can be tempting to rush into a treatment plan when faced with a diagnosis of a fast-growing melanoma. However, taking some time to review all your options can often be the best path, as jumping into treatment without considering all the alternatives (or even the effects of the treatments you've chosen) can set you up for failure. Seeking a second opinion from another oncologist or someone well versed in holistic medicine can also help, as this will give you another set of well-trained eyes to review your health information and help you make the right decision.
Share18 August 2016
