A Spotlight on Melanoma

A Spotlight on Melanoma & UV Safety Awareness
Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the great outdoors, whether lounging at the beach or hiking along scenic trails. Warmer temps and extended daylight hours entice people to embark on many activities that can benefit the body, mind, and soul. However you spend your time outdoors this summer, protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is vital. July is UV Safety Awareness Month, the perfect time to remind people that UV radiation is often the root cause of most skin cancers, including melanoma. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC sheds light on this rare but deadly form of skin cancer.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a severe skin cancer type originating in the skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Damage to these cells’ DNA can lead to uncontrolled growth, mutations in the DNA, and cancerous changes. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including areas not usually exposed to the sun, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and even under your nails.
What Can Cause Melanoma?
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds is often the cause of melanoma. However, individuals with fair skin, light hair, several or atypical body moles, or a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing melanoma. If you have a family or personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers, it’s advisable to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist (a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin, hair, and nail conditions). Genetic predisposition can also increase your risk, making early detection even more crucial.
What Are Common Warning Signs of Melanoma?
Do you have any new, unusual skin growths or persistent changes that aren’t healing properly? Although melanoma isn’t the most common skin cancer type, it’s responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Paying attention to the “ABCDEs” of melanoma identifies potential warning signs early enough to improve treatment outcomes and save lives. Seek a dermatologist promptly if you notice any of the following signs:
- A – Asymmetry – Does half of a mole or birthmark not match the other?
- B – Border – Are the edges of the mole irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred? Standard moles are usually smoother with even borders.
- C – Color – Is the color of your mole not uniform? Melanomas may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white, pink, or blue, as they grow.
- D – Diameter – Is the mole larger than six millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser)? Melanomas can sometimes be smaller and harder to detect.
- E – Evolving – Is the mole changing in size, shape, or color? Have you noticed any signs of crusting, bleeding, or itching?
How Is Melanoma Diagnosed and Treated?
Melanoma diagnosis begins with a visual examination by a dermatologist. A dermatoscope may magnify structures not visible to the naked eye. If a lesion appears suspicious, a biopsy will be performed by removing a tissue sample or the mole itself. Additional testing, such as a CT scan or blood test, may be necessary to confirm if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma treatment options may include wide excision, surgery, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or follow-up care to monitor for recurrences or treatment side effects.
The Prognosis for Melanoma Patients
The prognosis for melanoma patients can vary depending on the diagnosis stage, the melanoma size and location, and the patient’s overall health. Early-stage melanomas, confined to the outer skin layers and not spread to lymph nodes or other organs, have a higher cure rate. When detected early, surgical removal often leads to a favorable outcome. Advanced-stage melanomas, which have spread to lymph nodes or organs, pose a more severe challenge and typically have a poorer prognosis.
Protect Your Skin With These Melanoma Prevention Tips
General melanoma and skin cancer prevention tips to follow include wearing sun-protective clothing (sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and long-sleeved shirts), seeking shade when the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, and applying broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (even on cloudy days). We also suggest just saying no to tanning beds, as they can significantly increase your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. If you stay vigilant about protecting your skin and consult a dermatologist if you notice any unusual skin changes, we can fight melanoma.
We Encourage You to Be Proactive About Your Health
Pegalis Law Group, LLC is a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm with 50+ years of expertise. Our firm is devoted to spreading awareness about melanoma and other conditions to create proactive patients and save lives. Visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for further insights about your family’s health this year and beyond.