How Is Melanoma Detected?

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and its incidence has been steadily increasing for many years. It is the cancer most likely to spread to other parts of the body, and yet is one of the easiest cancers to prevent, detect and treat. The key lies in regular screening and early detection.

Significance
Most cases of melanoma are detected by the individual, so self-examination is essential. It is important to check your skin once a month, looking for a change in any mole or the appearance of new moles. The earlier melanoma is detected, the greater the chances the cancer can be effectively removed and cured.

Prevention/Solution
Use a hand mirror and full-length mirror to examine your arms and shoulders, raising your arms to look at all areas, including the elbows, palms and between your fingers. Use the hand mirror to check your chest, the back and sides of your body, your buttocks, your lower back and the back of your thighs. Look at your legs and feet, including the soles and in between your toes. Also remember to check the back of your neck and your scalp, especially since many people forget to put sunscreen on these areas for protection.

Identification
Use the A-B-C-D system to look for changes in moles or for suspected problems with new moles. “A”—asymmetry—is a difference in the shape of the sides of a mole. One half is not the same shape as the other half, making the mole suspect. “B”—border—is indicative of a suspicious mole with a jagged or irregular shape, instead of being smooth around the edges. “C”—the color—of a mole should be uniform. Moles that are different colors (combinations of red, blue, brown, black) should be checked by a physician, as should all moles that are black or moles that have changed color over time. “D”—the diameter—of a mole also can make it suspicious. Melanoma is usually larger than a pencil eraser, so have any mole bigger than 6mm checked by your physician, along with any mole that has increased in size. In addition, have any mole that itches, oozes, bleeds or is painful examined by your doctor.

Consideration
While you should perform a “mole patrol” on a regular basis, possessing certain risk factors should make you especially vigilant. A family history of melanoma, blond or red hair, fair skin, blue or green eyes, a history of sunburn, large numbers of moles on the body (50+), and previous diagnosis of melanoma all significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.

Benefits
Regular skin exams can catch skin changes early. Your doctor will never chastise you for being concerned about your risk of skin cancer. If your doctor is also suspicious of a mole, she will perform a biopsy—removing either part of the suspected area or the entire growth, plus a portion of surrounding skin—to determine if the growth is indeed cancerous. Remember that early detection of skin cancer can save your life!