At 41 years old, Teddi Mellencamp has done many great things in her life. The daughter of singer-songwriter John Mellencamp, Teddi is a successful podcast host and a reality television personality on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH). But more recently, her great achievement is treating and surviving melanoma.
In an article in E! Online, Ashley Joy Parker writes that Teddi was previously diagnosed with melanoma, which she had surgically removed. Then, in October 2022, Teddi went to her three-month follow-up visit with her doctor. At this point, the doctor noticed another abnormal mole. Testing showed that Teddi had Stage 2 melanoma.
Teddi then underwent additional surgery, where eleven melanomas and three lymph nodes were removed. While she is recovering well – and has since reported that her margins are clear – her doctor has recommended that she have her skin monitored every 4-6 weeks.
By sharing her story, Teddi hopes that she can inspire others who have also gone through this journey. But more so, she hopes that she can challenge other people to take control of their health: be proactive, take steps for preventative care, protect your skin, wear sunscreen, and speak to your doctor if something is concerning you.
Melanoma: What Is It?
So what exactly is melanoma? This is a severe form of skin cancer which forms in melanocytes, or melanin-producing cells. Melanoma is most often found on the shoulders to the hips, head, and neck in men, and arms and legs in women. While it can occur in children, it is most common in adults. Cases of melanoma have been rising over the last three decades. Doctors are unsure of the exact cause of melanoma, though they do know risk factors: lighter skin, having lots of moles, UV radiation exposure, and a family history of melanoma.
Moles which may indicate melanoma often have an asymmetrical shape, an irregular border, color changes, and a diameter greater than ¼ inch. They also often evolve over time: growing, changing colors, bleeding, itching. Additional symptoms or characteristics include changes in an existing mole, new moles growing near an existing mole, skin color changes, or scaling, itching, bleeding, or bumpiness.
Treatment options for melanoma include radiation, biological therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.