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Laser + Skin Institute • 417 Main Street • Chatham, NJ 07928
phone: 973.635.5050 • fax: 973.635.4567 |
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What does Melanoma look like?
While only 4% of diagnosed skin cancer is melanoma, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because of its ability to spread.
This is why it is so important to catch melanoma early when the cure rate with dermatological surgery is about 95%.
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body — soles, palms, inside the mouth, and underneath nails. However, it is most commonly found on the back, buttocks, legs, scalp, neck, and behind the ears.
Melanoma often develops in a pre-existing mole that begins to change or a new mole. It is estimated that 20% to 40% of melanomas arise from an atypical mole. This is why it is so important to be familiar with the moles on your body and perform regular self-examinations of your skin.
When looking at moles, keep in mind the ABCDE's of Melanoma Detection:
| Asymmetry. If you could fold the lesion in two, the two halves would not match. |  |
| Border. Melanomas often have uneven or blurred borders. |  |
| Color. Melanoma typically is not one solid color; rather it contains mixed shades of tan, brown, and black. It can also show traces of red, blue or white. |  |
| Diameter. While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6 millimeters, you should see a dermatologist. |  |
| Evolving. A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color. |  |
What type of Skin Cancer treatment is right for me?
To find out which treatment is suitable for you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisa Coppa Breslauer. Call us any time at: 973-635-5050
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Press Contact
Glenn C. Breslauer
973.635.5050
info@lsinj.com
Lisa Coppa Breslauer, M.D.
© Laser + Skin Institute
(source: AAD)