Aug 30, 2024
I’m Megan Westfall, Oncology Nurse Navigator at United Hospital Center. I’m here to answer your questions about sun safety.
What is melanoma when it comes to skin cancer?
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, skin cells that produce the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin, but are most often found on the chest and back in men, and on the legs in women. Other common sites include the neck and face. Melanoma is very treatable if caught early, but can be fatal if not treated early enough.
What are some common signs of skin cancer?
A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be in the form of a new growth, a sore that won’t heal, or a change in a mole.
A simple way to remember the warning signs of melanoma is to remembers the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma:
A — Asymmetry: Does the mole/spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look different?
B — Border: Is the border irregular or jagged?
C — Color: Is the color uneven?
D — Diameter: Is the spot larger than the size of a pea?
E — Evolving: Has the spot grown or changed in the past few weeks or months?
What are some melanoma risk factors?
- Ultraviolet Light — Exposure to UV rays from sources such as sunlight, tanning beds, and sun lamps can in- crease risk.
- Moles — Having many moles or atypical moles increases risk.
- Fair Skin, Freckling, and Light Hair — Risk is higher for those with red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes, and/ or fair skin that freckles.
- Age and Sex — Risk of developing melanoma varies by age and sex: risk is higher in women before age 50, while risk is higher for men after age 5
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
