Melanoma Q & A

Q.  What is melanoma?
A.  Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, generally arises in the pigment cells of the skin. Although melanomas can appear in existing moles, they often originate in normal appearing skin.  The incidence of melanoma continues to rise.  

Q.  Is melanoma a serious disease?
A.  Melanoma is highly curable when detected early, but if left untreated, melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes and internal organs and can result in death. On average, one American dies from melanoma every hour.

Q.  What causes melanoma?
A.  Excessive exposure to the UV radiation of the sun and indoor tanning devices are the most important preventable cause of all skin cancers, including melanoma. People who live close to the equator where the sunlight is stongest are more likely to develop melanoma than those in other regions. Genetic factors and immune system deficiencies are also quite important.  

Q.  Who gets melanoma?
A.  Anyone. Fair skinned individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than those with darker skin types. Certain conditions will increase the likelyhood of you developing a melanoma.  

For instance:

•  If you have greater than 50 moles, large moles or atypical (unusual) moles.
•  If you have a blood relative (e.g., your parents, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles) has had melanoma.
• If you have light colored skin, your risk is higher than a Caucasian with olive skin.
• Redheads and blondes have a higher risk of developing melanoma. Blue or green eyes also increase your risk of developing melanoma.
• If you’ve already had a previous melanoma, or had either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, or other previous cancers, such as breast or thyroid cancer.
• Your risk for melanoma increases if you have a history of sunburn.

Q.  What are atypical moles?
A.  We all have moles (also known as nevi). Atypical moles are generally larger than normal moles, variable in color, often have irregular borders and may occur in far greater number than regular moles.  They may occur anywhere. The presence of atypical moles is an important risk factor for melanoma developing in a mole or on apparently normal skin.

Q.  What does melanoma look like?
A.  Recognition of changes in the skin is the best way to detect early melanoma.  If you have a changing mole, a new mole, or a mole that is different, make an appointment to see us, 949 824 0606.

 Follow the simple ABCDE rule, which outlines the warning signs of melanoma: 

• Asymmetry: One half does not match the other half. 
• Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched or blurred. 
• Color: The pigmentation is not uniform. Different shades of tan, brown or black are often present. Dashes of red, white, and blue can add to the mottled appearance.
• Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter when diagnosed, they can be smaller.  
• Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color. 

Examine their skin regularly, everywhere! 

If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6mm, you should make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible.  

Q.  Can melanoma be cured?
A.  When detected in its earliest stages, melanoma is highly curable. The average five-year survival rate for individuals whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent. Five-year survival rates for regional (lymph nodes) and distant (other organs/lymph nodes) stage melanomas are 62 percent and 15 percent, respectively.   

Early detection is essential. Dermatologists recommend a regular self-examination of the skin to detect changes in its appearance. Additionally, patients with risk factors should have a complete skin examination by a board-certified dermatologist annually. Anyone with a changing, suspicious or unusual mole or blemish should be examined as soon as possible. Individuals with a history of melanoma should have a full-body exam at least annually and perform monthly self-exams for new and changing moles.

Q.  Can melanoma be prevented?
A.   Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer. In 2010, new research found that daily sunscreen use cut the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in half.15Here’s how to prevent skin cancer: 

• Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreenwith a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. “Broad-spectrum” provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.  
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.  If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.