Melanoma

What is Melanoma?

• Melanoma is the most dangerous of the three most common forms of skin cancer. It develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanoma can also form in your eyes and, rarely, inside your body, such as in your nose or throat.

What causes it?

• ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds. while rare, it is possible for melanoma to be genetic and not linked to uv exposure.

Where to look?

• Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body. most often in areas that have had exposure to the sun, such as your back, legs, arms and face. Melanomas often resemble moles and sometimes may arise from them.

How serious is Melanoma?

• Very. While Melanomas can be curable when caught and treated early, if they are not treated promptly they can metastasize to other areas of your body and become increasingly difficult to treat.

• early detection is critical

  • five-year survival rate for melanomas:

    • stage 0, I, II : ~99%

    • Stage III : ~62%

    • stage IV : ~18%

When to see a doctor?

• If your have any spots on your skin that exibit the ABCDE’s of melanoma, or follow the ugly duckling rule, please see a physician ASAP.

• click here to Read more on our early detection page.

People with the highest risk factors?

• excessive UV exposure from the sun or indoor tanning

• History of SUNburns

• Many moles, especially larger or atypical moles

• Weakened immune system

• Fair skin, light eyes, and light or red hair

• personal Skin cancer history

• Genetics - 1 in 10 melanoma patients has a family member who also had the disease.

What to look for?

• The first melanoma signs and symptoms often are A change in an existing mole OR The development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on your skin

  • ABCDE’s :

    • A - asymmetrical shape

    • B - irregular border

    • C - color Changes

    • D - diameter larger than 1/4 inch

    • E - evolving/Changing

  • Ugly Duckling Rule :

    • the “spot” that is unlike others around it (or is the only one in the area) is often the most suspect for abnormalcy and malignancy

  • Rare/Hidden melanomas include :

    • These melanomas are more common in people of Asian descent, black people and others with dark skin

      • ACral melanoma

        • under finger/toe nails

        • on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

      • mucosal

        • in the mouth, digestive tract, urinary tract or vagina

      • uveal

        • in the eye

  • Click here for more information on our early detection page