The most prominent of these "visible tumors" are lesions of the skin. There are three (3) cancers in this category, the basal cell and squamous cell cancers and melanoma.

The basal cell and squamous cell cancers are the two most common forms of skin cancers. Patients often are evaluated for a nodule or lump appearing on the skin surface, or a "sore" that will not heal. Occasionally bleeding can be associated with these "small lesions".

If these "spots" are noticed early and consultation and diagnosis is obtained, these cancers can be cured with surgical excision. We still do not have a topical medicine, salve, lotion or herb, which will cure these cancers.

The cure rate with basal cell cancer is somewhat better than the cure rate with squamous cell cancer.

The application of a good sunscreen or protective clothing is helpful in preventing these type lesions.

The more serious type of skin lesion is the melanoma. As in the case of the above problems, the melanoma can be detected by "self-examination" of the skin. This tumor develops from the melanin-producing cells of the skin and a few other "pigmented tissues" of the body, such as the retina of the eye or nail beds.

Over exposure to the sun is thought to be the common denominator. This is felt to be more significant in cases of intermittent sunburns or the weekend sunbather.

What are some of the factors, which increase the risk of developing a melanoma? People with red or blond hair are thought to be at increased risk. People with fair skin that freckles or sunburns easily, and people with light-colored eyes have an increased tendency to develop this dreaded problem.

People with "strange looking" moles should be watched carefully for changes in the moles. Certainly, if there are changes in the color, or if bleeding occurs from these "abnormal" looking moles, a medical opinion should be obtained.

The incidence of melanoma seems to be increasing worldwide, but more specifically in areas where the climatic condition is a major factor. Areas of the country, such as New Mexico, where there is an abundance of sunshine and an altitude of over a mile above sea level, melanoma is most prevalent. New Mexico ranks near the same rate as Australia in the number of cases of melanoma per capita.

The treatment of this problem is relatively simple if diagnosed very early. Wide surgical excision can lead to a cure in this instance. However, advanced melanoma is very difficult to treat. Many different therapies have been used, but with little success.

It was initially hoped that an approach utilizing the immune system to defeat this problem would be successful, but this has shown very little benefit.

It was hoped that a melanoma vaccine could be developed for the high risk individual, but this also has not come to fruition.

Again, we emphasize early detection and diagnosis, aggressive surgical treatment, and prevention with hope that a more positive and less radical therapy will come along, soon, for these "visible" and very difficult problems.