If the answer is yes then there may be a correlation there. After all, there have been almost a thousand confirmed cases of melanoma among first responders to the attack and hundreds more in the people living in the immediate area.
The problem with making a clear correlation is how it takes years for symptoms to develop and there are a lot of factors that can also contribute to the cancer. However, there has been a growing call to take a closer look at many of the diseases that appear to have been caused by the enormous dust cloud from the attack and destruction of the Twin Towers.
If you were a first responder or a Lower Manhattan resident at the time of the attack and the years afterward then you need to be aware of the signs. If you see any of these signs then you may be entitled to a 911 cancer claim to seek compensation.
Signs of melanoma
The typical first sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole. While it isn’t unusual to develop mole later in life, you should always have one looked at to be sure it isn’t a sign of melanoma.
There are some factors to look out for when you do develop a mole to help understand if it is actually a sign or not. The shape of the mole should be symmetrical on a normal one. If it is a funny shape then this is something that should give you pause.
The color is also a factor. A typical mole is black or dark brown but generally consistent in its color. A mole from melanoma can have different shades of color like a greenish hue along with a light brown, for instance.
Then, if the mole grows or continues to change color over time, this should cause some alarm.
One problem with waiting to see a mole develop as a sign of melanoma is that it isn’t the only sign. Many people that get diagnosed with melanoma don’t have moles at all. You should also look out for any change in skin pigmentation.
If you have these symptoms then a doctor will likely perform a biopsy to do a test on the tissue.
What happens if you are diagnosed?
When you receive a positive result on the biopsy then it has to be determined if your cancerous growth affected any other part of the body. The malignant tissue will be removed and a series of tests performed to check on the spread.
Usually some dye is injected after the surgery to see if there was any spread to your lymph nodes. If there is no sign of any spread then you are likely not going to have an issue. However, if a lymph node was affected then this will lead to further treatment.
If it seems like the cancer has spread then you will likely go through rounds of chemotherapy or radiation to limit any further spread.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
