New technique holds promise for melanoma patients: Know how to deal with this condition

New technique that improves on existing methods for assessing risk of melanoma recurrence after surgical removal developed. But you need to be alert too.

There is good news for patients of skin cancer. Thanks to a new study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, there may soon be a new melanoma test that will be able to better predict recurrence and improve patient care. Researchers have developed this new technique that improves on the current method for assessing whether primary melanoma is likely to recur and spread, following surgical removal. Nature Cancer published this study.

Most people first suspect melanoma when they see changes in the appearance of a pigmented spot like a mole or freckle. Though a primary melanoma can be cured through surgical removal, in some cases the lesion recurs and spreads. Unfortunately, there has been no major changes in the field of lesion analysis in the last hundred years. This puts patients at risk of recurrence at a disadvantage. But now, the new developments will lead to better patient care.

A treatable condition

Early stage melanoma is a treatable condition. But the problem with this disease is detecting it early. Usually, a diagnosis is made only after the cancer has progressed. A cure is difficult once the diseases has progressed. Hence, an early detection is essential for a favourable outcome from treatment. Be alert to any changes in the size of a mole or any changes on your skin. Consult your doctor to rule out this condition. Early detection can lead to a cure.

What you can do

You can bring down your risk of melanoma significantly by taking a few precautions besides being alert to any changes on your skin surface. Avoid excessive sun exposure. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, wear protective clothing. Nowadays, you can buy sun-block shirts. You can try these out. Always use sunscreen and re-apply every 8 hours.

Know the ABCDE method of detecting skin cancer
You can use the ABCDE method to determine if a mole or freckle may be melanoma. This is what you need to look out for.

A: Asymmetrical: Healthy moles are symmetrical and cancerous ones are asymmetrical. Just draw a line through the middle of your mole to see if there is any asymmetry.

B: Border: If the border of your mole is ragged, raised or notched, it may be cancerous.

C: change in colour: All healthy freckle and mole have uniform colour. If there is any color variation, it may be because of cancer. Look out for different shades of tan, red, brown, blue, white and black.

D: diameter: If your mole is bigger than 6 millimeters, it may be cancerous.

E: evolving: Keep an eye out for any new moles and marks on your body. Also check to see if there are any changes in the colour or size of existing moles.

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What could excessive white discharge from the vagina mean?

Vaginal discharge in women has a physiological significance and a specific function as well. The glands present in the cervix and the walls of the vagina secrete a white coloured liquid that keeps infections at bay by flushing out bacteria and dead cells from the intimate area. However, the degree of discharge, colour and consistency varies from one woman to another.

‘Vaginal discharge in a healthy woman is usually considered to be normal that signifies optimal functioning of the glands and internal hormonal secretions,’ says a consultant gynecologist. That said, excessive white or vaginal discharge, at times, could mean or be indicative of certain infections or a health crisis.

What could excessive white discharge signify?
Excessive white discharge at times can be normal and harmless. There are times when certain physiological changes in the body lead to excessive secretions; here are a few such circumstances.

Ovulation: Apart from the glands in the cervix and walls of the vagina that initiate a healthy discharge, hormones in the body also play a role in contributing to the same. ‘During ovulation the progesterone level in the body is high which leads to a heavy or continuous discharge from the vagina. This is normal and is a healthy sign in a woman of reproductive age,’ reassures the Dr. For the same reason you might notice a clear and steady discharge from your vagina for few days prior to your periods. 

Sexual excitement: Vaginal discharge or secretions act as the perfect natural lubricant for a smooth and gentle intercourse. The hormones that sensually arouse you are also the ones that initiate a steady secretion from the vagina. At times, it could lead to excessive discharge, as compared to your normal secretions. 

Pregnancy: A clear milky discharge from the vagina which might be mild with a musky smell is perfectly normal during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase vaginal discharge too. This has a hidden benefit; though the excess flow can be annoying at times, vaginal secretions help keep urinary tract infections that are otherwise common during pregnancy at bay. The secretion is supposed to maintain a healthy environment in the area for good bacteria to thrive on. In fact the amount of the secretions can increase prior to labour, lubricating the birth canal for normal delivery. The only time you should worry about vaginal discharge during pregnancy is when you spot droplets of blood or experience spotting. 

Stress: Modern day women are more prone to the perils of stress that reflects on their health and well-being. Stress is a major cause for hormonal imbalances within the body; this could lead to excessive vaginal discharge as well. Even though excessive discharge due to stress is considered harmless, it is not wise to ignore the signs of stress as it isn’t a healthy way of living.

When should you worry about excessive vaginal discharge?
Excessive vaginal discharge should raise an alarm if you notice the following signs accompanied with the same:

Change in colour of the secretions: If you notice that the colour of your vaginal secretions has changed from being a clear-milky fluid to yellow or is green in colour with a foul smell to it; this is likely to be a sign of an infection. ‘It could be indicative of a fungal, bacterial or viral infection. This sign could also serve to be an early symptom of a sexually transmitted disease,’ informs the Dr. 

Change in consistency: If you notice a change in your secretions along with some pain and change in the colour it should make you wary enough to head to your doctor and get a thorough checkup done. ‘Sometimes in teens this can also be suggestive of worms infestation in the stomach,’ says the Dr. 

Burning and itching sensation: Excessive discharge along with a burning or itching sensation indicates that the infection has got hold of your private areas and needs immediate medical attention.


Painful intercourse: Pain during intercourse despite the secretions by your vagina that helps to serve like a lubricant indicates that there is a chance of an infection or crisis that needs a thorough evaluation by the doctor. 

What you can do?
Visit your gynecologist: It is better to visit a gynecologist when you experience any change in the secretions of your vagina to get a detailed evaluation done. ‘If your vaginal discharge indicates any kind of UTI, it can be treated effectively with medications. At times one might also be advised to go for a pap smear to be screened for cervical cancer which is common among women,’ says Dr Mehta. Treatment of an STD might be required if you suffer from one.

Keep your vaginal area clean: Hygiene plays an important role in keeping the vaginal area healthy and free of infections. So maintain high levels of cleanliness to keep your privates free of infections. Avoid perfumed washes and douches as they could disrupt the normal pH balance of the area. Washing with warm water and a mild vaginal wash twice a day should serve the purpose.

Have a balanced diet: In a subtle manner, diet also helps to maintain vaginal health and fight infections. Avoid foods that are acidic in nature and include more fruits and yoghurt, as this can neutralize the acid content in the body.

Get some rest: Adequate rest is essential as it strengthens the immune function, protecting you against various infections and it is also necessary for the optimal functioning of the human body.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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