This most virulent of all skin cancers will develop on the skin of an
estimated 27,300 Americans in 1998. An estimated 5,800 will die. It is important to note
that the death rate is at last declining, because patients are seeking help earlier.
Melanoma, like its less aggressive cousins, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas is
almost always curable in its early stages. Melanoma has its beginnings in melanocytes; the
skin cells, which produce the dark protective pigment, called melanin, which is
responsible for suntanned skin acting as a partial protection against the sun. Melanoma
cells usually continue to produce melanin, which accounts for the cancers appearing in
mixed shades of tan, brown and black. Melanoma has a strong tendency to spread, making it
more difficult to treat.
Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning but it may also begin in or near a mole or
other dark spot in the skin. For that reason it is important that we know the location and
appearance of the moles on our bodies so any change will be noticed.
Excessive exposure to the sun, as with the other skin cancers, is accepted as a cause
of melanoma, especially among light-skinned people. Heredity may play a part, and also
atypical moles, which may run in families, can serve as markers, identifying the person as
being at higher risk for developing melanoma there or elsewhere in the skin.
Dark brown or black skin is not a guarantee against melanoma. Black people can develop
this cancer, especially on the palm of the hands, soles of the feet, under nails, or in
the mouth.
The abcds of
Melanoma
Asymmetry.
One half doesn't match the other half.
Border irregularity.
The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
Color. The
pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present. Dashes of red,
white and blue add to the mottled appearance.
Diameter greater
than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). Any growth in size of a mole
should be of concern.
Some additional warning signs of melanoma would include changes in the
surface of a mole: scaliness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a bump or nodule;
spread of pigment from the border into surrounding skin; and change in sensation including
itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, A
Multi-Specialty Medical Clinic
12221 MoPac Expressway North |
Austin, TX 78758 | 512.901.1111
Serving the communities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, San
Marcos and
Central Texas since 1952
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