Melanoma is the third-most common type of skin cancer, and unlike other notable types, rates of occurrence are on the rise. Joseph Sedrak, MD, and Laura Cohen, MD, specialize in diagnosing and treating melanoma at California Dermatology Physicians in Huntington Beach, California. To learn more about melanoma from the skin cancer experts, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from abnormal melanocytes, which are your skin’s pigment-producing cells. Melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer because it grows and spreads quickly.
Finding and treating melanoma during the early stages increases your chances of survival.
Melanoma may grow from an existing mole. However, it most often appears as a new brown, yellow, or black growth that looks a lot like a mole.
Melanoma typically has distinct features that can help you identify abnormal growths so you can get them checked out at California Dermatology Physicians. The dermatologists recommend the following ABCDE self-examination guide when evaluating your moles:
Most common moles are smaller than a pencil eraser. If you have a large mole, you should schedule a mole check and removal at California Dermatology Physicians.
You’re at greater risk of developing melanoma if it runs in your family, you have 50 or more moles, or you have atypical moles — noncancerous moles that look abnormal and occur at an early age.
If you have any concerns about your moles, the experts at California Dermatology Physicians can provide the advice and treatment you need.
Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage of your cancer. During the early stages, before the cancer spreads, your dermatologist surgically removes the growth and some of the surrounding healthy tissue.
However, if your melanoma has spread to other organs, you may need additional surgeries, along with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Anyone can develop melanoma, so there’s no way to completely prevent skin cancer. However, you can reduce your risk by limiting exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and protecting your skin with sunscreen and clothing.
Regular skin checks and evaluations of your moles may also help you catch melanoma, or any other type of skin cancer, during the early stages when it’s easier to treat.
To schedule your melanoma consultation at California Dermatology Physicians, call or use the online booking button.