Melanoma
By Dr. Abby Hanzlicek
Melanoma accounts for only 1% of skin cancers, but it is the most serious. It is a disease in which malignant cells form in melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that give color to the skin. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin. Melanoma is more likely to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body than other types of skin cancer. Oftentimes, the first sign is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole.
“ABCDE” is a good rule to follow:
Asymmetry: the shape on one half of the mole does not match the other half
Border: edges are ragged, blurred or irregular
Color: color is uneven and may include different shades of black, brown and tan
Diameter: change in size (usually an increase)
Evolving: mole has changed over the past few weeks or months
Risk factors for melanoma include fair complexion (fair skin that freckles or burns easily, light colored eyes, red or blonde hair), exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds), family or personal history of melanoma, history of many blistering sunburns, several large or many small moles, and environmental risk factors (radiation, solvents, vinyl chloride, PCBs).
Tests that examine the skin are used to diagnose melanoma. These include a skin exam and biopsy if needed. Surgery is the first treatment for all stages of melanoma. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, biologics, and targeted therapies. The sooner the detection, the better options for treatment and recovery/remission!
