Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread beyond the skin if left undiagnosed and untreated. It can develop anywhere on the body, but certain areas are more commonly affected. In people with fair skin, it often appears on the trunk in men and on the lower legs in women. In people with darker skin, melanoma is more likely to develop on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or beneath the fingernails or toenails. When detected and treated early, melanoma is highly curable. At Avant Dermatology, regular skin examinations, prompt evaluation of suspicious moles, and early treatment play an important role in protecting your health.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. These cells are found throughout the skin, so melanoma can develop almost anywhere on the body.
Many melanomas begin as a new dark spot, while others develop from an existing mole that changes over time. Although they commonly occur on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, back, arms, and legs, melanoma can also develop on the palms, soles of the feet, beneath the fingernails or toenails, and even inside the mouth.
Unlike many other skin cancers, melanoma has the potential to grow deeper into the skin and spread through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. This makes early diagnosis especially important.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The earliest signs of melanoma often involve changes in a mole or the appearance of a new pigmented lesion. Knowing what to watch for can help detect melanoma before it becomes more advanced.
Dermatologists commonly use the ABCDE rule to evaluate suspicious moles.
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- B – Border: The edges are irregular, uneven, blurred, or poorly defined.
- C – Color: Multiple colors or varying shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue are present.
- D – Diameter: The spot is larger than about 6 millimeters – the size of a single pea or width of an eraser tip on a standard wooden pencil, although melanomas may be smaller.
- E – Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color, thickness, or develops symptoms such as itching, bleeding, crusting, or tenderness.
Another warning sign is the “ugly duckling” mole. This is a mole that looks noticeably different from your other moles. Because most moles on an individual tend to have a similar appearance, one that stands out deserves evaluation. Any new or changing skin lesion should be examined by a dermatologist.
/ 291 Reviews
socialize with avant
#naturalskin