Scalp and neck melanomas are especially dangerous
Scalp and neck melanomas are especially dangerous
Bruce Springsteen’s aging fan-base recently received a sobering lesson in the dangers of melanoma skin cancer.
Late last month, Springsteen’s longtime keyboard player Danny Federici passed away after a three-year bout with melanoma. This was a sad blow to fans of Springsteen’s E. Street Band. Federici was one of original members and had played in other bands with Springsteen more than 40 years ago when the two were still just scruffy kids kicking around the Asbury Park boardwalk.
Federici was diagnosed in his mid-50s – exactly the age when most melanomas are diagnosed.
Before his death, Federici established the Danny Federici Melanoma Fund to raise money for melanoma research. On the fund’s web site (thedannyfedericimelanomafund.com) there’s a cautionary note from Federici in which he stresses the importance of protecting yourself from sunlight.
I wasn’t surprised to see that. Most melanoma information sources cite sun exposure as “the cause” of melanoma. In fact, the American Cancer Society states: “We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer.” The ACS notes that prolonged excessive sun exposure is just one of the potential risk factors for the disease.
Other risk factors:
- Having many large or irregularly shaped moles
- A family history of melanoma
- Fair skin
- Weakened immune system
- Over the age of 50
- Smoking
If any of these risk factors pertain to you, it’s a good idea to regularly check your body – literally, head to toe – every couple of months to monitor any changes in moles, freckles, or any other suspicious spots on the skin.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina shows that melanomas on the scalp and neck appear to be especially dangerous. UNC researchers found that patients with scalp and neck melanomas may be at twice the risk of dying compared to patients with melanomas on other parts of their bodies.
The web site melanoma.com has an excellent guide for skin self-examination, along with this tip: “Thoroughly inspect your scalp, using a blow-dryer and mirror to expose each section to view. Get a friend or family member to help, if you can.”
Source:
“Deadliest Melanomas on Scalp and Neck” Ivanhoe Newswire, 4/23/08, ivanhoe.com
