Are You At Risk For Melanoma?

When a melanoma is detected at an early stage and treated, a cure is all but certain. Many, if not most, melanomas can be spotted as soon as they arise - if you know what to look for and check for those signs.

Four Warning Signs
There are four basic warning signs of a melanoma, and they have been named the ABCDs so that they are easy to remember:

A stands for Asymmetry. If you were to draw a line through the middle of the melanoma, the two sides would not match. This is in contrast to a common, benign mole, which is round and symmetrical.

B stands for Border. Melanomas are frequently irregular in shape, with scalloped or notched edges. In contrast, a common harmless mole has smooth, even borders.

C stands for Color. Melanomas display a variety of shades of brown or black, as well as some unusual shades - mixed red, white, and blue. In contrast, common moles generally are a rather uniform shade of brown.

D stands for Diameter. The melanoma is usually larger than 1/4 inch (6 millimeters), the size of a pencil eraser. There are some exceptions, however.

How Does a Mole Change?
In addition to checking out the ABCDs, you should watch for change.

Size
The mole suddenly or continuously gets larger.

Color
A wide variety of colors or color combinations appear. Color might spread from the edge into the surrounding tissue.

Elevation
A mole that was flat or slightly elevated increases in height rapidly.

Surrounding skin
The skin around a mole becomes red or develops colored blemishes or swellings.

Surface
A smooth mole develops scaliness, erosion, oozing. Crusting, ulceration, or bleeding are late signs in the disease.

Sensation
Itching is the most common early symptom, and there may also be feelings of tenderness or pain. Nonetheless, remember that skin cancers are usually painless.

If any of these changes occur, they should be checked by a professional. It is particularly important for you to select a physician who specializes in skin cancer and is trained to recognize a melanoma at its earliest stage. You would first see a dermatologist, who might refer you to a dermatologic surgeon or oncologist (cancer specialist). Make an appointment without delay.

Prompt action is your best protection.

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation
New York, NY 10156