Question 1

1. What is melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). While less common than some other skin cancers, it is more dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early.

Question 2

2. What are the primary causes of melanoma?

Accepted Answer

The leading cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Other risk factors include a family history of melanoma, having many moles, fair skin, and a weakened immune system.

Question 3

3. What are the "ABCDEs" of melanoma?

Accepted Answer

The ABCDEs are a helpful guide for recognizing potential melanoma:

Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other.
Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
Color: The mole has uneven colors, including shades of black, brown, tan, and sometimes white, red, or blue.
Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Question 4

4. Are all moles cancerous?

Accepted Answer

No, most moles are benign (noncancerous). However, any changes in a mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Question 5

5. What are the symptoms of melanoma besides the ABCDEs?

Accepted Answer

Other symptoms can include a new mole that appears, a sore that doesn't heal, spread of pigment from the border of a spot into the surrounding skin, redness or a new swelling beyond the border, 1  itchiness, tenderness, or pain.

Question 6

6. How is melanoma diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

We will perform a visual skin examination and may use a dermatoscope (a magnifying tool). If melanoma is suspected, a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) will be performed for laboratory analysis.

Question 7

7. What are the treatment options for melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the stage of melanoma. Options include:

Surgical excision: Removing the melanoma and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery: A specialized technique for precise removal of skin cancer.
Lymph node biopsy or dissection: If the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the body's immune system fight cancer.
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific genetic mutations in melanoma cells.
Radiation therapy: using high energy beams to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy.

Question 8

8. What is the importance of early detection?

Accepted Answer

Early detection is crucial for successful melanoma treatment. When melanoma is found and treated in its early stages, the survival rate is very high.

Question 9

9. How can I prevent melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Prevention strategies include:

Limiting sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Wearing protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses.
Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps.
Performing regular self-skin exams.
Having annual skin checks by a dermatologist.

Question 10

10. What should I do if I find a suspicious mole?

Accepted Answer

Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Early evaluation is key.

Melanoma

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