Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It is the fifth most common skin cancer in the United States. Melanoma develops in melanocytes, or the cells that produce the pigment that gives your skin its color. The etiology is unclear; however, the known risk factors include fair skin, history of severe sunburns, tanning beds, family history of melanoma, immunodeficiency, or having multiple moles on the body.
WHAT CAUSES MELANOMA?
Melanoma is the result of an uncontrolled growth of melanocytes found in the skin. Melanoma can form in normal skin, moles, freckles, eyes, nails, or mucous membranes (nose, mouth, esophagus, anus, urinary tract, and vagina). The first sign of a melanoma may be a freckle or mole that is initially flat and becomes thickened, raised, or itchy with associated tenderness, bleeding, or crusting. Melanoma is diagnosed with a skin biopsy and histopathology examination.
TREATING MELANOMA
If detected early, melanoma can be treated successfully. Treatment options for melanoma include surgical excision, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. In addition to routine skin examinations by a clinician, we recommend performing self-skin checks monthly at home by checking for the following signs (ABCDE): asymmetry, border irregularities, color variations, diameter > 6 mm, evolution, or any changes in size, shape, or color.
REFERENCES
American Academy of Dermatology Ad Hoc Task Force for the ABCDEs of Melanoma, Tsao H, Olazagasti JM, et al. Early detection of melanoma: reviewing the ABCDEs. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 72:717.
