May is National Melanoma Month. Dermatologists across the United States will be performing skin cancer screenings during the month of May.

Malignant Melanoma:
Malignant Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers. It is estimated that 8,000 Americans will die from melanoma per year. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light is one contributing factor to melanoma. Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, the pigment producing cells in the skin. Melanocytes are found in the outer layer of our skin and give our skin its brown color through the production of melanin. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes become cancerous. Melanoma usually begins on the surface of the skin. If enough time passes, the melanoma can grow deeper into the skin and invade blood and lymphatic vessels and spread to other organs (metastasize). If detected early, melanoma is curable. If it is allowed to progress, it can spread rapidly. An important goal is to catch it and treat it early on.

Anyone can get melanoma. Some risk factors for melanoma development are:

• having fair skin, light eyes and sun-sensitive skin
• having skin which burns easily in the sun
• having a history of blistering sun burns or a history of severe sun exposure
• having multiple irregular moles (atypical moles)
• having more than 50 moles
• having a family history of melanoma

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin or nails. It is usually brown in color but rarely can be red, flesh-colored or whitish. It can arise out of a mole, or occur on normal skin. There are certain qualities to look out for when looking for suspicious growths on the skin. They are A, B, C, and D.

-A is for asymmetry. Melanomas are usually asymmetric.
-B is for boarder. Melanomas usually have irregular boarders.
-C is for color. Melanomas usually vary in shades of tan, brown, or black.
-D is for diameter. Most melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters. They, can, however be smaller. If you notice a mole that is different from other moles, or if a mole changes, itches, or bleeds, you should see your dermatologist.

Early detection remains the best treatment for melanoma. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an annual skin exam to check for any cancerous or precancerous growths. Skin self exams should be done on a monthly basis. Remember to use the ABCD rules and if you notice any new or changing moles, see your dermatologist ASAP.

Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery will be having its annual skin cancer screening at the Cape Coral office on Thursday May 22nd from 3:00-5:00 pm. Call 866-208-2204 to reserve your place.

- Dr. Andrea Cambio
Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Andrew’s Professional Center
316 Del Prado Blvd. S. Suite 201
Cape Coral 829-7102
dracambio@gmail.com

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