Malignant Melanoma

Malignant Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers. More then 108,000 Americans will develop Melanoma every year and of that 8,000 of them will die from it. As with other cancers early detection is the key, Melanoma left untreated will metastasize (spread). The problem with all skin cancers they usually do no hurt or bother you until they are more advanced. This is why people put off having things checked. Melanomas beginning in the pigment of your skin called the Melanocytes. It can come in either an existing or new lesion. There are some warning signs to watch for referred to as the ABCD’s of Melanoma which include……..

A. Asymmetry: Where one half does not match the other in size, Shape or color.
B. Border Irregularity: Edges are not smooth and round they appiear to Be ragged or poorly defined.
C. Color: The lesion is not one solid color it has different shades of Brown, black, and tan in it. Sometimes they have streaks of Red, white, and blue to make the lesion look Mottled.
D. Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater then 6 mms when we Diagnosis them. If any of the other reasons stated above Apply then you will still want to biopsy them even if They are less than 6 mms.