Wednesday, March 19, 2008

 

Melanoma Mole

A mole turn out to be melanoma cancer.

Story from Mind Your Body


Her five-cent size mole turned out to be Stage 3 melanoma


When Ms Tan's right leg hit a corner of her bed, a five-cent size mole on her calf started swelling and bleeding prfusely. She did not seek treatment until six months later when the swelling had not subsided. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

Jane Tan (not her real name) was shocked - and even angry - when told she had melanoma in April 2004.

'My family does not have a history of any kind of cancer. Why must it happen to me? I felt I was 'suay' (Hokkien for unlucky),' said the 34-year-old bank executive.

One indicator of melanoma is a change in a mole's features. That was how Ms Tan came to find out she had the disease.

One day at home, her right leg hit a corner of her bed. A five-cent size mole on her calf started swelling and bleeding profusely.

Thinking it was just a wound, she did not seek treatment. But six months later, the swelling had not subsided.

Only then did she see her company doctor. She was immediately referred to a dermatologist. Ms Tan vividly recalls the 'scolding' she got.

'The dermatologist said treatment for something so serious should not have been delayed for so long,' she said.

Ms Tan learnt the stark reality: the earlier melanoma, like other cancers, is detected, the better the chance of countering it and preventing its spread.

Although individuals vary, the chances of survival depend on the stage at which the cancer is discovered.

Most medical websites state that if detected almost immediately, the survival rate is almost 100 per cent. But if found at Stage IV, a patient's chances may be as low as 7 to 19 per cent.

Ms Tan was referred to cosmetic surgeon DrHarris Fok, who removed the mole and found that the cancer was already in its third stage and incurable.

But it could be controlled.

She underwent six months of chemotherapy with oncologist DrAng Peng Tiam of Parkway Medical Centre.

Fortunately for Ms Tan, she has the critical 'plus' cancer patients need. A positive outlook despite the setback.

'You can't turn back the clock and you have to get on with life,' she said. (The surgery had left her with a nasty gaping scar across her calf.) 'I don't mind any scars as long as I can get the cancer out of my system.'

She also did her own research on the Internet. Acting on what she learnt, she changed her diet.

'I decided to include more organic food in every meal as much as possible and rule out meat. I eat only fish,' she said.

She used to love to get a tan for her fair skin, but now spends much less time in the sun. And she makes sure she slaps on sunscreen lotion when outdoors. But despite her best efforts, Ms Tan had a relapse in August 2006.

Since then, she has also started taking traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, purported to help in detoxification and to counter the cancer.

In fighting her cancer, Ms Tan - who has a six-year-old son - said support from her family and friends has been crucial.

'My husband and my relatives have always been there for me.'

Thinking back, she does wish she had detected the cancer earlier. She added: 'Now when I see people who have scars like mine, I want to warn them about melanoma. It happened to me and it can happen to others.'

- ALEX LIAM

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