Although melanoma is one of the least common forms of skin cancer, it is the most serious because the cancer can spread to other parts of your body. You should always check your face and body for any unusual moles or freckles because early detection of melanoma leads to improved outcomes. If you find any suspicious spots on your skin, you should get it checked by a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible. At the Canadian Dermatology Centre, we have the experience and expertise to treat melanoma.
What is a melanoma?
Melanoma, the most serious and deadly type of skin cancer, develops in melanocytes, Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin its colour. Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial, as early detection can vastly increase your chances for cure.
How to spot a melanoma?
You should always think to yourself, the ABCDEs of melanoma when doing a self-examination of your body for warning signs of melanoma.
A is for Asymmetry: Most melanomas are asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves will be different in shape and size. This is not the case for common moles as they are usually symmetrical.
B is for Border: Melanoma borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges, as opposed to commmon moles which tend to have smoother, more even borders.
C is for Colour: Multiple colours are a big red flag. While benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of colur, such as brown, tan or black. As it grows, the colours red, white or blue may also appear.
D is for Diameter: If a suspected lesion is the size of a pencil erase (about 6mm in diameter) or larger, then it is a warning sign.
E is for Evolving: Any changes in shape, size, colour, an elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptoms, such as itching, bruising or crusting, may all be warning signs of melanoma.
If you notice any of the warning signs above, please come and see us or other board-certified dermatologist as promptly as possible. Early detection and intervention makes a huge difference.
Every skin is different, and the combination of each skin type and particular skin condition presents a unique set of characteristics. Contact our clinic today to book a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologist and have your skin cancer concerns and questions addressed.