More cases of melanoma found in teens

September 21, 2012 18-year-old Megan Gibbons says the risk isn't worth it.

Last winter, Megan noticed what she thought was a bad blemish on her cheek. Six months later, when that spot was removed, Megan learned she had stage 3 melanoma.

"I was told I had five years to live and that there wasn't much to do," said Megan.

"Tumors like Melanoma can spread in the lymphatic system, and if we can get ahead of them, literally like chasing someone down in the street and blocking the road, we potentially can cure them," said Dr. Brian Gastman of the Cleveland Clinic.

With the help of a new doctor, who took out several of Megan's lymph nodes, and put her on immune-boosting therapy, she is melanoma-free.

And she says if you notice anything unusual on your skin, don't wait to get it checked out.