Skin cancer treatment doctor talks about the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma
Skin cancer treatment can be a difficult process for those who have been diagnosed with the disease. Thankfully, modern science and the field of dermatology have made great improvements in skin cancer treatment, and in treatment outcomes. Melanoma is the type of skin cancer that is the most dangerous, and it causes many deaths throughout the world each year. There are ways to keep yourself protected from this deadly skin cancer, which you can find more about below. This article is going to go over everything you need to know about melanoma and how you can keep you and your family safe from this disease.
What is melanoma?
What makes melanoma so deadly is that it can metastasize, or spread, extremely rapidly throughout the body. This means that skin cancer that was once isolated to the skin can spread to all different organs and body parts in a very short amount of time. Melanoma, or any other type of skin cancer, is usually caused by DNA damage to the cells of the skin that has not been repaired. UV rays from the sun, or from tanning beds, can penetrate the skin and cause damage to the DNA of your skin cells. When this DNA damage does not get repaired, it leads to cancerous cells that multiply without inhibition, forming cancerous growths and tumors. These tumors can then have cells that break off and go throughout the body to other organs, such as the brain or the lungs.
What does melanoma look like?
Skin cancer treatment can be avoided by screening yourself regularly for melanoma. Melanoma can often look like a mole, since the cancer originates in the pigment cells of the skin. Brown or black melanomas are the most common, however they can be red, blue, purple or pink. Some of the warning signs of a melanoma to look out for are:
- Asymmetry
- Border (irregular)
- Color (brown, black, red, blue, etc.)
- Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser)
- Evolving (it changes in appearance rapidly)
If you believe that you may have a melanoma on your skin, schedule an appointment with a skin cancer treatment specialist immediately.
How is melanoma treated?
Skin cancer treatment for a melanoma typically involves a biopsy before treatment to ensure that it is a cancerous lesion. There are a variety of different treatment options after melanoma has been confirmed. These include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and topical chemotherapy agents. You and your dermatologist will discuss which course of action is right for you.
Metrolina Dermatology – your skin cancer treatment specialist
Skin cancer treatment at Metrolina dermatology is patient-centered and individually designed for your needs. Dr. Sasha Haberle of Metrolina dermatology helps the people of Charlotte, NC with all of their skincare needs, including skin cancer screenings and treatments. A board certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Haberle can help you if you believe that you have a cancerous lesion. If you live near the Charlotte, NC area and wish to meet with a dermatologist, call our office to book an appointment today.
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