KNOWING MELANOMA
April 30, 2020
Written by Kevin St. Clair, MD
Melanoma is the 5th most common type of cancer in the US, and the most serious type of skin cancer. With early detection and treatment, most cases can be cured. However, delay in diagnosis or treatment, or more aggressive forms of the disease can be serious.
Most melanomas grow slowly in the top layers of skin. At this stage, a straightforward in-office procedure called an excision uses local anesthesia and usually cures the cancer. If not treated early though, most melanomas dive deeper into the skin, and the farther they penetrate, the more potential to spread to the lymph nodes, then possibly to other organs.
Although anybody can get the disease, those with the following are at greater risk:
History of sunburns (particularly as a child or teenager)
Family history of melanoma (especially in parents, siblings, or children)
Fair skin
Blonde or red hair
Light-colored eyes
Presence of abnormal moles (diagnosed by removable and examination under a microscope)
Unlike other types of cancer, you can help detect melanoma in yourself! How? Once a month, scan every area of your skin. Melanomas can occur anywhere, including area not typically exposed to sunlight, e.g. the back, buttocks, or legs. Search for a dark mole that stands out from your normal moles like an “ugly duckling.”
Then apply the ABCDE’s:
A = ASYMMETRY
Draw a line through the center of the mole. If the two halves are not identical, it is asymmetric.
B = BORDER IRREGULARITY
Draw an outline of the mole. If it is jagged like a coastline on a map, it meets this criteria.
C = COLOR VARIETY
Normal moles are pigmented evenly. Melanoma often has multiple shades of dark brown, black, gray, blue, white, or red.
D = DIAMETER GREAT THAN 6MM
The size of a pencil eraser.
E = EVOLUTION
A spot changing in size, shape, color, or that has begun to itch.
What can you do to decrease your risk of melanoma?
Reduce UV exposure
Apply sunscreen everyday
Plan outdoor activities before 11:00AM or after 3:00PM
Wear protective clothing: a brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, and pants
Avoid tanning beds and sunbathing
Because early detection is so important, a brief once monthly self skin examination is crucial (to see your backside, ask a friend or family member for help, or use a mirror).
If you or your doctor are concerned about a dark spot, a sample can be taken in-office for examination under the microscope. This is the gold standard for diagnosing this potentially dangerous form of skin cancer. The clinicians at Ozark Dermatology Clinic are highly trained specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancer, and are always accepting new patients. Please click the link below for an evaluation.