Melanoma

Melanoma can be a terrifying diagnosis for anyone to receive. Understanding Melanoma and how to treat it can help relieve  anxiety over this condition.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the skin. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment producing cells in the skin, known as melanocytes. It is completely curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread. Cancer is a condition where one type of cell grows without limit in a disorganized fashion, disrupting and replacing normal tissues and their functions, much like weeds overgrowing a garden.

Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma

Many patients that visit Shideler Dermatology and Skin Care Center come with worries over strange moles that have appeared on their face and body. Most of the time these moles are benign. Benign moles are non-cancerous.   Dermatologists are uniquely trained to determine the type of skin lesion.   The moles that may be malignant or cancerous typically have the following characteristics as determined by the American Academy of Dermatology:

• A is for asymmetrical shape.
• B is for irregular border.
• C is for changes and variabibility in color.
• D is for diameter.
• E is for evolving.

Dermatologists often look for a “black sheep” sign.  In most individuals, most moles look similar.  The lesion that stands out as being different is more suspicious.

Other suspicious changes in a mole may include scaliness, itching and oozing or bleeding. Because malignant moles vary greatly in appearance it is best to get any suspicious mole diagnosed by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Causes of Melanoma

One of the major causes of Melanoma is sun damage.  UV radiation is produced by the sun.  Early childhood sunburns play a role in some people.    Commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds also produce UV radiation. Tanning beds have been linked to an increased incidence of melanoma.  However, it is important to realize that melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including palms and soles, inside the mouth and in covered areas.  It is increasingly recognized that some individuals carry a gene that increases susceptiblility to melanoma.  All people and all races can develop melanoma.   

Other risk factors include some of the following:

• Fair skin
• A history of sunburn
• A family history of melanoma
• Weakened immune system
• Exposure to carcinogens
• Rare genetic disorder

 Mole Mapping, Diagnosis,  Treatment for Melanoma

Sometimes cancer can be detected simply by looking at your skin, but Shideler Dermatology is proud to be the first and only office in Indiana to offer mole mapping.  Using a computerized  photographic system called the FotoFinder we can photograph and store a record of all moles on the body.  Repeat photography can allow us to compare and help spot any new or changing lesions; the computer can detect this in many cases.  We can store dermatoscopic or internal  images of moles for future comparision.  Suspicious lesions should be biopsied.   The best treatment for early-stage melanomas is surgical removal called  excision. Early detection and removal can lead to cure.  Sentinel lymph node biopsy can assess the risk of spread.  Promising new treatments can help many people if the cancer has spread beyond the skin. 

A visit to Carmel, Indiana area dermatologist Dr. Shideler can help you get any suspicious mole tested to rule out possible Melanoma. Call Shideler Dermatology and Skin Care Center today at 317.846.2396 to schedule an appointment.