Skin Cancer: Melanoma

Recognizing Melanoma Symptoms and Signs

Melanoma is the most serious form of sun related skin cancer. An estimated 212,000 cases of Melanoma will be diagnosed this year in the United States. Of those, 105,000 will be invasive. 

Common Locations for Melanoma on the Body

Melanomas can present in a variety of forms. Melanomas can appear as black patches or bumps. They can be new moles that grow rapidly or moles that itch, bleed or change color. Melanomas are usually asymmetric with uneven scalloped or notched borders. Melanomas may have multiple colors such as different shades of brown, black, pink and tan. Melanomas may present as an evolving lesion which gets larger, darker, develops a crust, itches or bleeds.

Early Detection and Treatment for Melanoma Cure

Melanomas can occur anyplace on the body. The most common places are the upper back, torso, lower legs, head and neck. Melanomas can also be found on palms and soles and on nail beds.

Preventing Skin Cancer: Tips from Dr. Oshman Dermatology and Skin Care Westport

If detected early and removed there is a very good chance that Melanoma can be cured. There are also new medications available which are used to successfully treat Melanomas which may have metastasized. 

It can take twenty to thirty years to see the effects of the sun, and tanning beds add to that effect. Fortunately, early detection and treatment can lead to a cure. Dr. Oshman Dermatology and Skin Care Westport diagnoses and treats Melanomas in her Westport and New Canaan offices.

To prevent sun-related skin cancers, Dr. Oshman advises wearing sunscreen every day, avoiding tanning beds, seeking the shade whenever possible and having any spot that is new or changing be examined by Dr. Oshman Dermatology and Skin Care Westport in her Westport or New Canaan office. If you want to schedule an appointment today for a skin cancer screening in Westport or New Canaan, call 203-454-0743 today.