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Throughout the world, the incidence of skin
cancer is rapidly rising. In The United States alone, over a million new cases are
diagnosed each year. Fortunately, most skin cancers are superficial and rarely metastasize
to other organ systems. However, some are far more serious, such as malignant melanoma,
and can prove fatal if not treated early.
The good news is that all skin cancers are
curable, if diagnosed early and removed surgically, including melanoma. A yearly skin
examination is recommended for everyone, regardless of skin type, family history or
lifestyle.
The most serious
and aggressive form of skin cancer. A melanoma can be related to sun exposure or can arise
in areas totally protected from the sun, often from pre-existing moles. If not removed
surgically early in its development, melanoma WILL metastasize and is usually highly
resistant to treatment.
Malignant melanoma is a serious skin cancer that arises in moles or
in the tanning cells of the skin. In its early stages, when it can be
easily treated, the disease is not life-threatening. But in later stages,
malignant melanoma spreads or "metastasizes" to other parts
of the body. At this point, treatment is not always successful. People
at high risk of developing the disease are those who have:
- a family history of melanoma, or who have had a melanoma in the
past.unusual moles on the skin, or changing moles. fair skin, light hair
and eye color, and who sunburn easily or tan with difficulty.a record of painful or blistering sunburns as children or teenagers.
- indoor occupations and outdoor recreational habits.
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The most common
type of skin cancer. They are usually found on sun exposed areas of the body.The vast majority will occur on the face. Although they are
diagnosed frequently, they are easily removed surgically and rarely spread beyond the
skin. |
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Squamous cell
carcinoma typically remains localized to the skin, but can become more aggressive in
certain cases. Like Basal Cell Carcinoma it is usually associated with sun exposure.
Often, it is best to see a Board Certified Dermatologist if there is any doubt. |
Most people have a number of small colored spots on their bodies-moles,
freckles, birthmarks. The average young adult has at least twenty-five
brown moles. A few of these spots are present at birth, while most others
develop throughout life. Almost all moles are normal and remain so.
However, a change in a mole or other spot on the skin may be the first
sign of an early malignant melanoma or other form of skin cancer.
Regular self-examination is the best way to become familiar with the
many moles and spots on the skin. With the help of a family member or
friend, you should examine your skin, including hard-to-see areas (mouth,
back, scalp, buttocks, etc.). Common moles and malignant melanomas do
not look alike. You should inspect your moles and pay special attention
to their sizes, shapes, edges and color. A handy way to remember these
features is to think of A-B-C and D-for Asymmetry, Border, Color and
Diameter.
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Benign
Symmetrical
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Malignant
Asymmetrical
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Malignant
Asymmetrical
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Benign
Even Edges
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Malignant
Uneven Edges
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Malignant
Uneven Edges
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Benign
One Shade
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Malignant
Two or More Shades
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Malignant
Two or More Shades
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Benign Smaller
than 6mm
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Malignant
Larger than 6mm
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Malignant
larger than 6mm
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Other changes in the skin-itchiness, tenderness, redness, swelling,
softening, hardening-should prompt a visit to your physician. Remember
the ABCD's of self-examination. With malignant melanoma, early detection
and treatment make the difference.
Some forms of early malignant melanoma are asymmetrical, meaning,
a line drawn through the middle will not create matching halves. Common
moles are round and symmetrical.
The borders of early melanomas are frequently uneven, often containing
scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smooth, even borders.
Different shades of brown or black are often the first sign of a malignant
melanoma. Common moles usually have a single shade of brown.
Common moles are usually less than 6 mm in diameter ('/a"), the size
of a pencil eraser. Early melanomas tend to be larger than 6 mm.
Concept: Robert J. Friedman, M.D., Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., Alfred
W Kopf, M.D.
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