How to Find Melanoma Skin Cancer

Woman checking her moles for melanoma.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. An estimated 2.5 million cases will be diagnosed this year in the United States. Of those cases, nearly 100,000 individuals will develop invasive melanoma, the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma can form anywhere on your skin, including nail beds, the soles of your feet, and the scalp. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common, but usually less serious types of skin cancer.

3 Tips for Finding Melanoma

Although melanoma is the rarest type of skin cancer, it is also the most dangerous because it can spread quickly. Melanoma frequently develops from a mole or pigmented lesion. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you find melanoma in its early stages, when it is highly curable.

Perform Skin Self-Exams

Checking your body can help you find skin cancer early. More than 80 percent of all melanomas are actually detected by patients or their partners. These self-exams are especially important if you:

  • Have had frequent sun exposure or have used tanning salons
  • Have light skin that burns easily
  • Have a family member with skin cancer
  • Were treated for skin cancer.

If you see something on your skin that looks new or changing, it's time to take action.

Know Your ABCDEs of Melanoma

The alphabet is an easy way to remember what to look for:

  • A is for asymmetry. If you draw a line through a mole, the two halves will not match.
  • B is for border. The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
  • C is for color. Having a mole with a variety of colors is another danger sign. Shades of brown, tan, black, red blue, or grey could appear.
  • D is for diameter. Melanomas usually are larger in diameter than the size of a pencil eraser (1/4 inch or 6 mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.
  • E is for evolving. Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting is a warning sign.

See a Doctor for a Screening

Ask your primary care doctor if you should see a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening. If your doctor recommends one, be sure to ask the dermatologist how often you should be checked. Some people need to be screened more often than others. During the screening, the doctor will carefully look at your skin, including your scalp, for any unusual marks or moles.

While an examine can spot areas of concern, melanoma can only be diagnosed with a biopsy. When melanoma is found in its early stages, it is usually very treatable with a simple surgery. More advanced cases become more difficult to treat. Surgeons and oncologists at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute are experts in treating even the most complex melanoma cases and have more options available to you than ever before.

Skin Cancer Prevention

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid getting a sunburn or even a tan. And while sunscreen is key to protecting your skin, not all sunscreens are what they claim to be. Learn more about sunscreen and other ways to help prevent skin cancer.

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Shanthi Sivendran, MD

Shanthi Sivendran, MD, is a physician with Lancaster General Health Physicians Hematology & Medical Oncology, medical director of hematology/oncology, melanoma disease team lead, and co-lead of the palliative oncology team at Lancaster General Health. Dr. Sivendran is a graduate of the University of Dublin Medical School. She completed her residency at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and a fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Sivendran specializes in skin cancer, breast cancer, and urologic cancers.

Call: 717-544-9400

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The LG Health Hub features breaking medical news and straightforward advice to help individuals of all ages make healthy choices and reach their wellness goals. The blog puts articles by trusted Lancaster General Health clinical experts, good 'n healthy recipes, videos, patient stories, and health risk assessments at your fingertips.

 

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