Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal or "ugly looking."
Thinking of "ABCDE" can help you remember what to watch for:
A for Asymmetry - the shape of one half does not match the other
B for Border - the edges are ragged, blurred or irregular
C for Color - the color in uneven and may include shades of black, brown and tan
D for Diameter - there is a change in size, usually an increase
E for elevation - a mole that is raised above the skin and has a rough surface
Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated early. If melanoma is not removed in its early stages, cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface and invade healthy tissue. If it spreads to other parts of the body it can be difficult to control.
Who gets melanoma?
Anyone can get melanoma, but some people are more likely to get it. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions below, you may be more at risk. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors.
Has anyone in your family had cancerous moles or a melanoma?
Do you have many moles larger than a pencil eraser?
Do you have more than 50 moles of any size?
Did you ever get a bad sunburn that caused blisters when you were a child?
Does your skin usually burn but not tan?
How can I keep from getting melanoma?
The most important way to prevent melanoma is to limit your sun exposure. The following are some ways to do this:
Avoid the strong midday sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
When you are outside, try to spend your time in shaded areas as much as possible.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat (to shade your face and protect your ears).
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants while you are out in the sun.
Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Put the sunscreen on 30 minutes before you go outside. Put it on again every 2 to 3 hours after sweating and swimming.
Do not use sunbeds or tanning salons.
If you are worried about a spot on your skin, tell your doctor about it.
Sunburns in childhood are the most damaging. Children younger than 6 months of age should never be outside in direct sunshine. Children 6 months of age or older should wear sunscreen every day.
click here more information and treatment
source: www.aafp.org
Thinking of "ABCDE" can help you remember what to watch for:
A for Asymmetry - the shape of one half does not match the other
B for Border - the edges are ragged, blurred or irregular
C for Color - the color in uneven and may include shades of black, brown and tan
D for Diameter - there is a change in size, usually an increase
E for elevation - a mole that is raised above the skin and has a rough surface
Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated early. If melanoma is not removed in its early stages, cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface and invade healthy tissue. If it spreads to other parts of the body it can be difficult to control.
Who gets melanoma?
Anyone can get melanoma, but some people are more likely to get it. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions below, you may be more at risk. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors.
Has anyone in your family had cancerous moles or a melanoma?
Do you have many moles larger than a pencil eraser?
Do you have more than 50 moles of any size?
Did you ever get a bad sunburn that caused blisters when you were a child?
Does your skin usually burn but not tan?
How can I keep from getting melanoma?
The most important way to prevent melanoma is to limit your sun exposure. The following are some ways to do this:
Avoid the strong midday sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
When you are outside, try to spend your time in shaded areas as much as possible.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat (to shade your face and protect your ears).
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants while you are out in the sun.
Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Put the sunscreen on 30 minutes before you go outside. Put it on again every 2 to 3 hours after sweating and swimming.
Do not use sunbeds or tanning salons.
If you are worried about a spot on your skin, tell your doctor about it.
Sunburns in childhood are the most damaging. Children younger than 6 months of age should never be outside in direct sunshine. Children 6 months of age or older should wear sunscreen every day.
click here more information and treatment
source: www.aafp.org
No comments:
Post a Comment