Melanoma is usually diagnosed as a result of a routine check-up or from a patient bringing a suspicious mole to a doctor’s attention. It usually shows up as a dark brown or black mole-like lesion with irregular borders. Sometimes the growth may turn red, blue, or white. It is important to keep a close eye on your oles and to utilize the ABCD (asymmetry, border, color, and diameter) rule when checking moles during a self exam. The doctor may want to biopsy the mole to send it to a laboratory for further testing. In the unfortunate event that you are diagnosed with melanoma, it will be necessary to remove the cancerous mole and some of the surrounding tissues.
The key to success in treating a melanoma is early detection. If a melanoma is diagnosed and treated early, there is a good chance it is localized and did not spread to any other parts of the body. If you feel you have identified any suspicious moles, make an appointment to see the doctor right away. Although melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is not the most common.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and appears as small, shiny, pearly, or fleshy growths which may eventually form an open sore and bleed. This form of cancer usually does not invade any surrounding skin or distant organ.
Squamous cell carcinoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma. It often appears as a scaly, red growth usually on sun exposed skin or other chronically irritated areas such as the lips of smokers or at previous burn sites. This form of cancer can occasionally break off and spread to other areas of the body. If you are diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, the most effective removal technique is called Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs surgery is a state-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer which relies on the precision and accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer down to its roots. It is especially effective in skin cancers that have recurred after previous treatment, occur in high risk locations (eyelids, ears, nose, mouth, neck), appear to grow rapidly and aggressively, or are large in size. During Mohs surgery, layers of the skin are removed one at a time until the cancer is completely gone. This ensures that only the skin cancer tissue is removed and normal skin is preserved. Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate (up to 99%) and minimizes the potential for scarring.
Although these two types of skin cancer do not usually spread to other parts of the body it is still very important to have them diagnosed and treated. Again, early detection and treatment is the key to success. A commitment to doing regular self exams at home, coupled with check ups with your dermatologist, will ensure that skin cancer does not get the best of you. For more information about skin cancer, visit the American Academy of Dermatology at
www.aad.org. There you will find useful resources to help protect you and your family from the dangers of skin cancer.
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