It's Melanoma Monday

Walnut Creek CA

02 May, 2022

12:27 PM

Description

With today being Melanoma Monday, dermatologists across the nation are stressing the importance of regular skin check-ups and protecting ourselves from the sun's dangerous UV (ultraviolet) rays. "Melanoma is less common than basal and squamous cell skin cancers, but potentially more dangerous," said Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek dermatologist Megan Moore, MD. "It can grow and spread from the skin throughout the body and to other organs. When it's detected early, melanoma is much less likely to spread. In fact, most melanomas are detected early when they have not had a chance to spread." Dermatologists look for changing pigmented lesions, as well as new pigmented lesions that have the following ABCDE markers: • Asymmetry of the lesion • Border irregularities • Color variegation (the presence of multiple shades of red, blue, black, gray or white) • Diameter greater than or equal to 6 mm (a mole larger than a pencil eraser should be checked) • Evolution (a lesion that is changing in size, shape, or color, or a new lesion) "It's important for patients to realize that the majority of skin growths that meet the ABCDE criteria are not melanoma," Moore noted. "There also are melanomas that do not meet any of these criteria. However, these guidelines are helpful for identifying suspicious growths and many melanomas. Patients also should be on the lookout for moles that look different from the others, a.k.a. 'the ugly duckling.'" Melanoma can be removed by surgical excision of the cancer and a safety margin of normal skin, typically in the office under local anesthesia. "In cases where melanoma is more advanced and has spread to lymph nodes or other organs, we collaborate with our expert surgical and medical oncologists," Moore said. "These specialists perform lymph node biopsies and surgeries where appropriate, and they employ new targeted treatments, immune checkpoint inhibitors and other therapies." Many people still believe that a tan is healthy and will protect them from sun damage later in the summer. However, if the skin changes color from sun exposure, this is a sign that UV rays are damaging the skin cells. UV rays cause DNA damage even when a person doesn't have a sunburn. Moore is a triathlete who swims across Lake Tahoe every summer. The busy mother of four does not fear the great outdoors. Instead, she suggests staying healthy this summer by limiting exposure to the sun (mainly ultraviolet light) by following these "S" rules: Slip on a shirt Slop on sunscreen (SPF 50 or better) Slap on a hat Sunglasses Stay in the Shade Although the exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear, experts believe that exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and tanning lamps and beds increases the risk developing melanoma. Limiting exposure to UV radiation can help to reduce the risk of melanoma. "While melanoma is a serious skin cancer, it's highly curable if it's caught early," Moore said. "Prevention and early treatment are critical."