Melanoma is considered to be the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although there are surgical procedures available at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Windermere, Florida to remove these malignant masses, the best prognosis comes from early detection and knowing your own skin.
Doctor Jeannette Hudgens and the medical team at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center have several years of experience in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Offering everything from skin cancer screenings and biopsies to surgery, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is with you every step of the journey from diagnosis to treatment.
What is Melanoma?
While there is a major link between prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light from sunlight and tanning beds to the development of Melanoma, it can also develop as a result of other factors, such as:
- Family history
- Fairer skin types
- A compromised or weak immune system
- Atypical moles on the skin
Melanoma can present itself as dark or brown in color, and can also appear red, pink, purple, white, blue or skin-colored. Only a medical professional can properly diagnose this aggressive form of skin cancer.
How is Melanoma Treated?
The standard procedure for treating Melanoma is to surgically remove the mass from the skin. Advances in surgical techniques over the past decade have made it possible to remove less tissue, creating smaller surgical scars.
The majority of thin Melanomas are treated successfully with minor surgery, but the extent of the operation often depends on the individual condition. The area of skin will be worked on until no more cancer cells are found.
How Can Melanoma Be Prevented?
It is estimated by the American Skin Cancer Society that about 135,000 new cases of Melanoma are diagnosed per year. While advanced stages of Melanoma can be life-threatening, early detection and immediate treatment are the keys to successful treatment and remission.
While anyone can develop skin cancer at any age, there are prevention measures that can be adopted to significantly decrease your likelihood of developing the disease:
- Consistently using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher every time you are exposed to the sun, reapplying every few hours and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Seeking shade when the sun is the highest in the sky, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, pants and sleeves while outside
- Getting to know the moles, birthmarks and other dark spots on your skin and noting any changes in shape, size, color or texture over time.
At Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we offer annual skin cancer screenings to keep you informed about your overall skin health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our medical team and take advantage of our wide range of medical services.