Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Here's what you need to know.
If not caught early, melanoma can spread to other organs, making it harder to treat. Around 112,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in the United States this year, and more than 8,500 will die from the cancer.
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Although melanoma is the most serious and deadly type of skin cancer, experts say it is it caught early, it is treatable.
Melanoma frequently appears as a new or abnormal spot. It can also be in the form of a mole that has edges which are irregular, asymmetrical or multi-colored.
If not caught early, melanoma can spread to other organs, making it harder to treat. Around 112,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in the United States this year, and more than 8,500 will die from the cancer.
Dr. Igor Puzanov, of the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, recommends people complete self-checks on their skin and watch for any spots or moles.
He and others say people need to look for the ABCDEs of melanoma:
A for asymmetry-if one half of the spot is unlike the other.
B for border-look for edges that are irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.
C for color-watch for spots with varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown, block or areas of white, red and blue.
D for diameter-melanomas are usually about the size of a pencil eraser but can also be smaller.
E for evolving-look to see if a spot looks different from others or is changing in size, shape or color.
"These are the red flags and you should go see a dermatologist or primary doctor and then dermatologist and have a biopsy, preferably," says Puzanov.
Puzanov says melanoma can grow anywhere on the body, including in the mouth, nose, under nails, or between toes and fingers.
"Melanoma is more prevalent in patients with light skin. Sun damage plays a huge role, but it doesn't mean that melanoma is nonexistent with people with darker...type of skin," he adds.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. Ways to protect yourself is seeking shade when rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and wearing sun-protective clothing.
Other tips include applying water resistant sunscreen with a SPF or 30 or higher every two hours or after swimming or sweating along with avoiding tanning beds.
