Melanoma May 2022

May 2022

Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer; however, when it is detected in early stages, melanoma is highly treatable.

Therefore, it is recommended that individuals perform a monthly self-skin exam to check for possible red flags.  You can identify the warning signs of melanoma by looking for the following.  These are referred to the A, B, C, D, E’s of melanoma.
A- asymmetry
One half of the lesion is unlike the other half.
B- borders
Borders are irregular, jagged, scalloped, hazy or poorly defined.
C- color
More than one color or shade of tan/brown within one lesion. Sometimes even red, white, blue areas may appear.
D- diameter
A lesion that is larger than 6 mm( roughly the size of a pencil head eraser)
E- evolving
A mole that is changing in size, shape, color or starts to develop symptoms (bleeds).
People of color are most likely to develop acral melanoma. Acral melanoma forms in areas that are not typically exposed to the sun, such as the palms, soles of feet, or under finger or toenails.
Melanoma rates in the United States have been rising rapidly over the past 30 years – doubling from 1982 to 2011. In 2022, it is estimated that more than 99,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the US.  In the US, It is estimated that melanoma will affect 1 in 27 men and 1 in 40 women in their lifetime.

Risk factors for melanoma include:

• Having more than 50 moles
• Use of tanning beds
• History of blistering sun burns, or excessive sun exposure
• Having red or blonde hair, pale skin, blue, or green eyes
• Family history of melanoma
• Previous history of non-melanomatous skin cancers
• Previous history of internal cancers such as breast or thyroid cancer
• Presence of atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)

How can melanoma be prevented?

• avoid tanning beds
• Seek shade. Avoid mid-day sun
• Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing
• Get regular skin checks by a dermatologist

If you’re at risk for melanoma or have a history of melanoma, call to make an appointment for a skin check at Midstate.

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