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Skin Cancer
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Early detection is key since melanoma is almost 100 percent curable if discovered early. Famous people who have survived melanoma include Troy Aikman, Sam Donaldson and Senator John McCain.
While easy to detect, many symptomatic moles go ignored. According to The Melanoma Research Foundation, every hour of every day of the year an American dies of malignant melanoma.
While the American Academy of Dermatology doesn’t expect the general public to be home dermatologists, there are 4 signs to know that can save your life. These are the ABCDs of melanoma.
A: Asymmetry. The mole is not completely even in appearance.
B: Border. The margins should be even and smooth, without ratty or projecting edges.
C: Circumference. The mole should be nice and round, without jagged or sharp edges
D: Diameter. The size of the mole should not be more than 6mm measured across the mole. This is the size of a pencil eraser.
Other signs to pay close attention to include rapid mole growth, formation of a sore, and itching or bleeding within the mole.
The above signs and symptoms do not automatically mean the mole is malignant or even dysplastic. But, these are definitely a reason to seek out a dermatology evaluation.
Biopsy of a suspicious mole should consist of a full excision around the area unless the mole is so large that this is impossible for some unusual reason. The excision would be performed under a local anesthetic and the area closed with stitches. If melanoma were diagnosed, unless the margins were significantly clear (a minimum of a 5mm border), then a reexcision would be performed.
The prognosis for melanoma is based upon the depth of the mole (how deeply it has grown). Further work-up and treatment are based upon this very important measurement. That is why simply shaving through a suspicious mole or lasering it off without a path report is inappropriate.
As for follow-up, for “routine” simple excision took care of it melanoma patients, certainly a complete skin examination (CSE) performed every 3 months, ultimately extending to no longer than once a year is appropriate for melanoma patients. I also include an ophthalmology appointment (looking for hidden moles at the back of the eyes), chest x-ray, blood work and sometimes a CT scan (patient history dependent).
Melanoma tends to have some genetic predisposition. For anyone with a primary family history of melanoma (parents and sibs), a complete skin examination and eye exam once a year is a starting point. Those who have large number of moles or dysplastic nevus syndrome (multiple changing moles) would be screened more often.
When it comes to prevention, by now everyone is more than familiar with these tips. Let me just recap those steps we simply can’t do without:
Sun Avoidance – Try to avoid being outdoors during the hours of 11-3 when sun is at its strongest..
Sunscreen Use – Only use broad-spectrum screens or blocks that protect against UVA and UVB rays. An SPF 15 should be considered entry level minimum protection, so skip those products with an SPF of less than 15.
Tanning Bed Avoidance – The smoking ban of the new millennium? Skip the tanning beds; they’re far more dangerous than an unprotected day at the beach.
UV Treated Sunglasses – Protecting the eyes makes sense; helps prevent ultraviolet damage against melanoma as well as helps save your sight.
SPF Treated Clothing – It’s so easy to do. Throw in a packet of Rit Sun Guard Laundry Treatment UV Protectant in with your laundry and give your clothing an SPF 30 (over a mundane SPF 4).
Complete Skin Examination – Don’t have access to a dermatologist? Take advantage of any number of free skin cancer screenings performed across the U.S. every May during Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
Awareness – Being aware is half the battle. Don’t ignore symptoms.
Rapid growth of a mole, itching, bleeding, crusting, or sore formation within ANY skin lesion should be checked. The good news is that when most patients follow up on these signs, either the lesion isn’t melanoma/skin cancer or they get their condition diagnosed in the early stages when it’s curable. It’s easier than you think to help save your life.
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Thank you for taking the time to read through this important information. I hope you have found this article informative.
Audrey Kunin, M.D.
(Any topic discussed in the this newsletter is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)
Article updated July 16, 2002.
http://www.dermadoctor.com
Copyright © 2000-2002, All Rights Reserved.
DERMAdoctor.com
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Bio
Dr. Kunin is a board certified dermatologist in Kansas City, Missouri. She
received her dermatology training at the Medical College of Virginia. She has
been featured on several local television and radio news and talk shows for her
expertise in her field. She also holds a position as Associate Clinical
Instructor at the University of Kansas Medical School Department of Dermatology.
In addition to general dermatology, her interests in cosmetic dermatology
include non-surgical approaches to skin rejuvenation, including chemical peels,
Botox, Isolagen, skin care products and sclerotherapy.
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