As we explore the topic of skin cancer during Skin Cancer Awareness Month this month, today we turn our discussion to melanoma, the most common—and most dangerous—form of skin cancer.
Melanoma usually appears in the form of a mole or discoloration in the skin. If caught early, it is almost always curable, but if left untreated, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body where it can advance and become difficult to treat.
Jennifer Maguire, a patient of Dr. Lee, tells us about her experience with melanoma and warns about its dangers. She hopes her story will serve as a lesson to everyone on the importance of checking your skin for the signs of melanoma and on the timeliness of seeing a doctor after the appearance of a warning sign.
Today, May 5th, is Melanoma Monday. Many do not even know what melanoma is, or think it’s just skin cancer. I can tell you it’s more than skin cancer, it’s is the deadliest form of skin cancer. For the majority of my adult life I have used sunscreen and wore hats, but I guess it wasn’t enough. In 2011, I noticed that the skin around a freckle on my face was turning white. The mole itself didn’t look funny so I didn’t think too much about it. When I asked others about it they said that since I was now entering my 40s my skin would change, it was normal. I am so thankful that something inside of me pushed me to ask my dermatologist about it. Even when I had the mole biopsied I didn’t think it would come back as anything. So you can imagine my surprise when it came back as amelanotic melanoma-a rare type of melanoma. Thankfully it was caught early. Since being diagnosed with it I have learned so much more about this horrible cancer. I have met others who have been diagnosed at higher stages than I, and had to go through rounds of treatments and surgeries. They feel lucky to still be alive. If caught early it can be treated. Especially on this day, but really every day I ask that you check your skin and if you notice any changes please get it checked out. I would rather you find out it’s nothing than wait and later find out it’s something.
Looking for the warning signs—the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- A for assymmetry. If you draw a line through a mole and the halves do not match.
- B for border. If the borders around a mole are uneven, such as scalloped or notched.
- C for color. If a mole contains a variety of different colors, or becomes red, blue or a color other than brown, tan or black.
- D for diameter. Melanomas are usually larger than the size of a pencil eraser (1/4 inch or 6 mm). However, they can be smaller when first detected.
- E for evolving. If you notice any change in size, shape, color, elevation or another trait. Also, if you notice any new symptom, such as bleeding, itching or crusting.