Of all the different forms of skin cancer, there are three types which occur most frequently: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. In this post, we’re going to focus on the most serious type of skin cancer–melanoma.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma accounts for less than five percent of skin cancers. However, it is responsible for the vast majority of skin-cancer deaths. Melanoma is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, but unlike those forms of skin cancer, melanoma carries a high risk for metastisis (spreading to other parts of the body). This increased chance of spreading is why melanoma accounts for so many skin-cancer deaths.
Melanomas develop in the melanin, which is skin pigment, and it manifests itself in moles. It can occur in either an existing or new mole. It is most often found on parts of the body that receive a lot of sunlight: face, neck, arms, hands, legs, back, although it is possible for people to have melanomas on parts of the body which are not frequently exposed to the sun. Moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, change color, have a large diameter and changes over time could be cancerous.
Treatment of melanoma is dependent on how advanced the cancer is. Melanomas that are detected early may only require a surgical procedure to remove the mole and some surrounding tissue. Other, more-advanced cancers may require more drastic treatments, such as lymph node surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The No. 1 cause of melanoma is sun exposure. As such, the best ways to prevent this type of cancer are to avoid spending time in the sun, wear sunscreen, avoid tanning beds and cover your skin when spending prolonged periods of time in the sun.
The key to treating melanoma is early detection. The five-year survival rate for people who catch melanoma before it penetrates the skin is 98 percent, compared to 62 percent once the cancer reaches the lymph nodes. That means that if you see an irregularity in a mole, it is crucial that you see a dermatologist immediately.
If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.
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