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Melanoma is a serious and dangerous form of skin cancer that develops due to damaged DNA in melanocytes — pigment-producing cells. It is usually caused by overexposure to UV light.
What is it?
Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer that originates in the melanocyte cells, which are responsible for providing skin with its pigment. Overexposure to ultraviolet light, such as sun rays, tanning beds, and sun lamps, can cause harm to the DNA in melanocytes. Over time, this harm can induce mutations, resulting in skin cancer. If not detected and addressed promptly, Melanoma can rapidly spread to other body parts, which is why timely detection is crucial.
Along with your yearly skin assessment with a board-certified specialist at Bexley Dermatology, you can perform frequent self-examinations using the ABCDE approach. If you notice a mole or spot with the following characteristics, seek immediate consultation with a dermatologist:
A - Asymmetrical shape
B - Uneven borders
C - Color inconsistency from one area to another
D - Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
E - Evolution in size, shape, or color since the last checkup
By reducing your exposure to the sun and safeguarding your skin from UV rays, you can decrease your risk of developing melanoma. While we understand that sun exposure can be enjoyable, it can also be damaging. Sun-induced harm can accumulate all year round in Bexley, Ohio - even during the chilly winter months. Always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen and try to limit your time under the sun's harmful rays.
How is it treated?
If you have a suspicious mole or spot, don't delay in scheduling an appointment with our team. Our board-certified providers are skilled in conducting in-office exams and skin biopsies to investigate suspicious growths. If a biopsy is necessary, we will send your skin sample to a dermapathologist in our lab for analysis to see if it contains cancer cells.
Treatment for melanoma varies according to the specific type of melanoma and the stage of the disease - 0, I, II, III or IV. Regardless of your stage, our medical practice team is here to provide expert, compassionate care. Our team has specialized training and certification in a broad spectrum of melanoma treatments, which includes surgical excision, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Being part of DOCS Dermatology Group, our team also has access to state-of-the-art clinical trials for cancers that are less responsive to conventional treatments.