Articles From Experts
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A melanoma can usually be distinguished from a normal mole by means of visual inspection. A normal mole is typically evenly colored (tan, brown, or black), it has sharply defined borders, and is less than about 6mmin diameter. Many moles are already present at birth, but often one or more moles will appear spontaneously over one¡¦s lifetime, especially on areas of skin that are frequently exposed to sunlight. Once a mole has developed, it will not usually change shape, size or color. Any sudden change in any of these characteristics is cause for concern and should be shown to the doctor. Melanomas are usually characterized by one or more of the following signs: „h Asymmetry-Whereas most moles have a fairly symmetrical round or oval shape, the shape or color of a melanoma may be asymmetrical-i.e., one side does not match the other.„h Border irregularity-A mole usually has sharply defined borders; a melanoma may have ragged or blurred edges.„h Color variation-a mole is usually evenly colored; the pigmentation of a melanoma is often not uniform.„h Diameter greater than 6mm-A mole does not usually get much larger than 6mm. An unusually large mole or one that suddenly or continuously begins to grow.„h Surface changes-a mole marked by oozing, bleeding, scaliness, or the development of a hard central core.„h Changes in pigmentation-If pigment begins to spread beyond the original borders or if redness develops around the border.„h Change in sensation-Be alert for signs of itchiness, pain or tenderness.Diagnosis: If visual examination raises the possibility that the mole is a melanoma, the doctor will take a sample of the tissue and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment: If it is caught and treated in the early stages, melanoma is curable. Early melanomas are surgically removed, but in the later stages further treatment is necessary. Treatment for advanced melanomas must be individualized. Prevention: „h „h When in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sun block rated at SPF-15 or higher on unprotected areas. (Even if the product makes claims to being waterproof, sunscreen must be reapplied after swimming or sweating.)„h No one should deliberately seek a suntan, whether outdoors or in tanning parlors. Besides being a major cause of skin cancer, sun exposure will also prematurely age and wrinkle the skin.„h It is important for parents to protect the tender skin of their children from sun exposure. Child¡¦s skin more delicate than adults, also severe sunburn during childhood is one of the major risk factors for developing malignant melanoma in later life.Self-examination: As with other forms of cancer, early detection of skin cancers through monthly self-exams provides the best prognosis for a complete cure. The American Cancer Society recommends that people become familiar with their own pattern of moles, freckles, beauty marks, etc., through a procedure called "mole-mapping." Then it is recommended that each person should perform a monthly self-exam to spot any changes in the number, size, shape, color, or surface texture of pigmented areas. Any noticeable change should be examined and, if necessary, biopsied by a physician.
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