Melanoma is a highly invasive skin cancer that originates from melanocyte cells - the cells responsible for giving the skin its color. Overexposure to ultraviolet light sources such as the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps can lead to DNA damage in the melanocytes. Over time, this damage can lead to mutations and eventually skin cancer. Melanoma can rapidly spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated promptly, making early detection crucial.
Along with your yearly skin check with a certified practitioner at our dermatology clinic, you're encouraged to perform frequent self-examinations using the ABCDE method. Do not hesitate to see a skin specialist immediately if a mole or spot shows:
A - Asymmetrical shape
B - Irregular borders
C - Color variations from one area to another
D - Diameter larger than a pencil's eraser
E - Evolution in its size, shape, or color since your last exam
You can reduce your risk of developing melanoma by limiting your exposure to the sun and taking steps to protect your skin from UV rays. Despite the joy that sunny days may bring, they can also cause harm. Sun damage can accumulate throughout the year in Wooster, Ohio - even during the chill of winter. Always remember to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and limit your exposure to harmful rays.
Should you notice a dubious mole or spot, don't hesitate and book an appointment with one of our skin cancer professionals in Wooster, Ohio. The team at our dermatology clinic will conduct an on-site skin biopsy to examine any suspicious spots. Your tissue sample will then be dispatched to a dermapathologist to ascertain whether it contains cancerous cells. The course of treatment for melanoma hinges on the type of melanoma you have and the stage of the disease - 0, I, II, III or IV. Regardless of your stage, our medical practice is prepared to deliver proficient, empathetic care.
Our team has specialized training and certification across a wide range of melanoma treatments, including surgical excision, Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. As part of the DOCS Dermatology Group, our team also has access to the latest clinical trials for cancers that are less responsive to conventional treatment.
THE TREATMENTS BELOW CAN HELP WITH MELANOMA:
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