What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer accounting for two-thirds of all deaths attributed to skin cancers. This increased risk of death is because melanoma can spread to other body parts.

According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, 1 in 75 Americans will develop melanoma in their lifetime. Risk of melanoma increases in people with fair skin/eye color, in people with a high number of abnormal moles, and in people with a history of blistering sunburns (particularly if the sunburn occurs prior to age 20). Melanoma commonly occurs on the back of men and legs of women, and in darker skinned people, under nails or on palms and soles.

SIGNS

A suspicious mole that gets bigger, bleeds, has irregular edges, or is of unusual color is a significant symptom of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Other signs of melanoma include:

  • A large brown area with darker spots
  • An irregularly-shaped lesion with portions that appear red, white, or blue-black
  • Dark spots, freckles, or sores on your palms, soles of the feet, toes, or on the areas lining your mouth or nose

A waxy bump or flesh-colored, scar-like patch indicate possible basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma can develop as a firm red nodule or a flat spot with a crusty surface.

PREVENTION

Regular use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher reduces your risk of developing skin cancer significantly. Other measures to take include:

  • Stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm
  • Do not get a sunburn
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Cover up with clothing if you do need to be in the sun, including a hat and sunglasses

Yearly screenings at Atlantic Dermatology can protect you from developing a severe case of skin cancer by catching it early.

The ABCDE’s of Examining Your Skin

If any of the following is detected or indicated, we recommend you make an appointment:

  • Asymmetry

    One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

  • Border Irregularity

    The edges are jagged, scalloped, or blurred.

  • Color Variation

    The mole has differing shades of brown, black, or other colors within it.

  • Diameter

    The mole is more than 6 millimeters across or is growing in size.

  • Evolving

    A mole that is changing in size, shape, or color.

Treatment of Skin Cancer

Cryosurgery

Liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion using an aerosol spray. This procedure may be repeated to guarantee total destruction of malignant cells.

 

Surgical Excision

In an excision, the skin cancer is cut out and removed under local anesthesia and seldom entails major blood loss.

 

Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C)

Skin cancer is curetted or “scraped away” with a special tool designed to remove cancerous cells. The area then is cauterized (“electrodessicated”) using electric cautery.

 

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is highly effective and performed by dermatologists with advanced fellowship training.

doctor examining patient
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Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general, surgical and cosmetic dermatological services in Raleigh.

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