Melanoma is a malignant tumor of the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the body. While the majority of melanocytes occur in the skin (90%), they are also found in the eye, mouth, genitalia, nails, gastrointestinal tract, and spinal column. Among skin cancers, melanoma accounts for only 5% of cases but it is responsible for 71% of deaths. Cases of melanoma are increasing faster than any other form of cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 27 men and 1 in 40 women will be affected by melanoma in their lifetime. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. However, melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in females age 15-29, believed to be due to the popularity of the use of tanning beds. Nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma each day.
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer because it frequently spreads to lymph nodes and most internal organs, yet when detected early, the five-year survival rate is 99%. Knowing the signs, watching for changes in your skin, and having an annual body check by a qualified dermatologist are critical in early detection. Wearing a physical sunscreen (sunblock) every day will help to reduce your chance of sun damage to your skin, thereby reducing your risk of melanoma.
Signs of melanoma include asymmetry in moles or skin lesions on your skin; irregular border of moles or dark spots; color that is not uniform in appearance as melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan, black, red, white, or blue; large diameter of a mole in comparison to others on the body, the appearance of a new growth on your skin, any change to your skin,including itching, bleeding, crusting, or elevation of a lesion or mole; slow-growing patch of thick skin that looks like a scar, or a band of darker skin around a fingernail or toenail or dark spots or lines under the nail. While doing a self-skin check,remember to use the ABCDE’s of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving. More than half of all melanoma diagnoses are discovered by the individual or by a family member.
Risk factors for developing melanoma include excessive UV exposure from sun or tanning beds, a weakened immune system, having fair skin, a family history of melanoma, personal history of skin cancer, multiple moles, or a history of severe sunburns. Please remember to wear sunscreen every day!
Our practice recommends physical block sunscreens, and we offer a variety of those depending on your skin condition and needs. Our clinical providers can help you choose the best one for you.
Be aware, be protected, and frequently check your skin for any changes that could be an early indicator of melanoma.