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Learn More about the Many Forms of Melanoma this Rare Disease Day
Melanoma rates are increasing both in the US and worldwide. But did you know that there are many kinds of melanoma? These varieties of melanoma fall into three different categories: cutaneous, ocular and mucosal.
Today, February 28th, is Rare Disease Day. It is important to remember that though much progress has been made in the melanoma space, more work needs to be done, particularly for those with rarer forms of melanoma.
Ocular melanoma (OM) accounts for only 5-12% of melanoma diagnoses. About six people per one million are diagnosed with OM each year, which is far fewer than the one in fifty that are diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma. Summer Heath, a young OM patient, was part of a cluster of OM diagnoses in Huntersville, NC. Summer discussed her diagnosis and the need for more information and research about this rare type of melanoma, which you can read here.
Mucosal melanoma is by far the rarest kind of melanoma and is diagnosed in just 1% of melanoma patients. J.B. Ward is a mucosal melanoma patient who shared her story in last month's SPOTlight. After her diagnosis, she was given just a 5% chance of survival past five years. Learn more about J.B.'s experience and her inspirational fight against this rare form of melanoma.
Cutaneous melanoma is the most common form of melanoma, accounting for more than 85% of all diagnoses. Despite this, there are multiple rare types of cutaneous melanoma including acral, desmoplastic, lentigo maligna and nodular.
ESPN sports broadcaster and Emmy-nominated sports commentator Holly Rowe was recently diagnosed with one of these rare forms of cutaneous melanoma: desmoplastic melanoma. Holly has signed on to host both the Wings of Hope for Melanoma Denver as well as the Miles for Melanoma on the Universal Studios Backlot 5k Run/Walk this year. Find out more about her story and her fight against this rare form of melanoma next month.
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