Author Frank McCourt Fighting Meningitis

Frank McCourt, author of Angela’s Ashes, is battling meningitis in a New York hospice, say news reports. The 78-year old has been battling melanoma , a frequently fatal skin cancer, for quite a while now. He had been doing quite well until the meningitis struck.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the covering of the brain and spine. You can develop bacterial meningitis, which is the most common form, or viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is also the most serious and can cause severe disability and even death if it’s not treated quickly. You can read about meningitis, its symptoms and treatments at the Meningitis Foundation of Canada .

It’s not unusual for people with melanoma to develop meningitis and according to the news releases, it appears that Mr. McCourt isn’t doing well. He’s described as being at death’s door.

According to the National Cancer Institute , each year in the United States, more than 53,600 people are diagnosed with melanoma and it’s becoming increasingly common.

Not all moles develop into melanoma, but it’s the most common place for it to start. Since most of us have at least a few moles, how can you determine if you have one that could be cancerous? The best way is to remember “ABCD.”

A- Asymmetry . Moles are round, if one part isn’t round like the other part, it’s called asymmetrical , not symmetrical.

B- Border . Check the border of the mole. Is it even all around? Ragged? Blurry? Irregular?

C- Color : Moles are usually the same color all over. If you see changes in color in one mole (black, brown, tan), this could be a sign of changing cells.

D- Diameter : The diameter is the size of the mole – has the size changed?

If you suspect that you may have a suspicious mole, get it checked as soon as possible. Melanoma requires quick treatment.

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Image: Newscom.com