Should My Family Members Be Tested Since I Have Melanoma?

Your immediate family members are more likely to get melanoma if you have been diagnosed with the disease. It is recommended that each of you get their skin examined annually and perform a monthly self-examination.

The team at Associates in Dermatology helps patients across the

Westlake, Middleburg Heights, Lorain, western greater Cleveland, and Lorain County, OH area watch for the first signs of skin cancer and get the necessary treatment to maintain skin health.

What is the appearance of melanoma?

It is easy to remember if you know the alphabet:

A – Asymmetry – if you drew a line down the middle of the spot, would the halves look different?

B – Are borders of the spot jagged or scalloped?

C – While benign spots come in many colors, blue, gray, black, or a spot containing multiple colors is a red flag.

D – Is the diameter larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)?

E – Is the spot evolving? Here we are referring to changes in shape, size, elevation, color, or texture. Has it started to itch, feel tender, or seep?

F – Does a spot just look “funny” (odd)? Sometimes referred to as the “ugly duckling,” some lesions just stand out as different. They are often ones that need to be checked professionally.

What is the main cause of melanoma?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common cause of melanoma. It comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.

What are the treatments for melanoma?

Surgery to remove the cancer

Chemotherapy and radiation

Immunotherapy drugs

Targeted gene and protein therapy

With proper treatment at the first signs of

skin cancer, however, the prognosis is excellent. Awareness is your best defense, and it starts with professional skin cancer screenings at Associates in Dermatology in Westlake, OH, or our Lorain or Middleburg Heights offices.

Call

(440) 482-8323

To make Associates in Dermatology your partner in skin cancer prevention.