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revelus dermatology

2559 Western Trails Blvd, Ste 301
Austin, TX, 78745
Phone: (512) 379-5027

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Melanoma

melanoma

melanoma images

Diagnosis required by a licensed medical professional

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, with its potential to be life-threatening by spreading to other parts of the body if not caught early. Despite being the least common skin cancer, its diagnosis rate has been increasing rapidly, making awareness and early detection crucial. Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, and it can start in an existing mole or appear as a new, unusual growth. The keys to surviving Melanoma are early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Advanced Melanoma may spread to lymph nodes and distant organs, necessitating more complex treatments despite lower survival rates.  

Factors that increase the risk of developing Melanoma include a family history of the condition, fair skin prone to freckling, a significant number of moles or unusual moles, extensive sun exposure, a history of sunburns, especially in childhood, and a compromised immune system. Melanoma can appear at any age but is most common in middle age. It's noteworthy that the use of tanning beds can also increa... More

Factors that increase the risk of developing Melanoma include a family history of the condition, fair skin prone to freckling, a significant number of moles or unusual moles, extensive sun exposure, a history of sunburns, especially in childhood, and a compromised immune system. Melanoma can appear at any age but is most common in middle age. It's noteworthy that the use of tanning beds can also increase Melanoma risk significantly.  

This type of cancer can develop in sun-exposed areas as well as less exposed sites, including the eye, mouth, and genitals. The ABCDE checklist is a useful guide for identifying suspicious moles that may indicate Melanoma, focusing on asymmetry, border irregularities, color variation, diameter larger than 6 mm, and evolving changes over time. 

Diagnosis involves a skin biopsy, where a small skin sample is examined microscopically. If Melanoma is confirmed, treatment typically includes surgical removal along with possible lymph node examination and imaging studies. Ongoing surveillance is critical for those who have been treated for Melanoma, given the heightened risk of recurrence. At Revelus Dermatology, we emphasize the importance of skin health education and are committed to providing comprehensive care for early detection and treatment of Melanoma, aiming for the best possible outcomes for our patients. 

signs + symptoms of melanoma

Melanoma has the potential to spread rapidly and become life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Revelus Dermatology is committed to educating our patients about Melanoma to facilitate early detection and effective management. 

key characteristics:

  • Appearance: Melanoma typically presents as a mole or skin lesion that changes in color, size, or shape. These changes are guided by the ABCDE rule, which looks at Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, and Evolution or change over time of the lesion.  
  • Location: While Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, it most frequently appears on areas exposed to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms, and face. However, it can also occur in less exposed areas like the soles of the feet, palms, in the eyes, and under the nails.   
  • Sensation: Melanoma lesions may not cause any pain or itching in their early stages, making them more challenging to detect based solely on sensation. This lack of discomfort often leads to delays in seeking medical attention, highlighting the importance of regular skin examinations and awareness of skin changes. 
  • Evolution: The evolution of Melanoma distinguishes it from other skin conditions. Melanoma lesions change rapidly in size, shape, or color, signaling the need for prompt medical evaluation. Early stages of Melanoma can often be treated successfully, but advanced Melanoma requires more aggressive treatment due to its potential to spread to other parts of the body. 
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your skin, our priority

Remember, timely evaluation and diagnosis can make a difference. If you notice any changes in your skin, reach out to our team at Revelus
Dermatology. Your skin’s health is our priority.

common melanoma questions

FAQ
what is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in cells known as melanocytes. While it is the least common type of skin cancer, it’s the most dangerous kind because it can spread to other parts of the body. 

what causes melanoma?

Melanoma is caused by the growth of pigment-producing cells. Risk factors include a family history of Melanoma, fair skin, light hair, light eyes, a tendency to freckle, a large number of moles, history of sun exposure or sunburns, and a weakened immune system. 

who gets melanoma?

Anyone can get Melanoma, but it’s more common in people over 50, those with a family history of the disease, individuals with fair skin, and those with weakened immune systems. 

why treat melanoma?

Treating Melanoma as early as possible is crucial because it can be life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body. 

how is melanoma treated?

Treatment options include surgical excision of the affected area, lymph node biopsies, radiation, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy.  

can I treat melanoma myself?

No, Melanoma requires professional medical treatment. Early detection and professional treatment are vital for survival.  

is melanoma dangerous?

Yes, Melanoma can be very dangerous and life-threatening, especially if it metastasizes to other parts of the body. 

is melanoma genetic?

Yes. Having a family history of Melanoma increases one’s risk significantly, suggesting a genetic component to the disease. 

what is the cost of treating melanoma?

Varies. The cost varies depending on the stage of Melanoma and the required treatments. It can range from surgical procedures to more extensive treatments for advanced stages. 

does melanoma return after treatment?

Sometimes. There is a risk of Melanoma returning, especially in the first three years after treatment. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial. 

what are the long-term effects of melanoma?

If caught early, Melanoma can often be cured. However, advanced Melanoma can lead to significant health issues and, in some cases, can be fatal. 

does melanoma hurt?

Melanoma itself may not hurt, but the area around it can be tender or itchy. 

does melanoma go away?

With early detection and proper treatment, Melanoma can often be completely removed. However, vigilance and regular skin checks are important to prevent recurrence. 

what are the ABCDEs of melanoma?

The ABCDEs of Melanoma are guidelines for assessing Melanoma or skin lesions for signs of Melanoma, a type of skin cancer. They stand for: 

  • Asymmetry: One half of the mole or lesion does not match the other half in shape. 
  • Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. 
  • Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue. 
  • Diameter: The size of the mole is larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though Melanomas can be smaller when first detected. 
  • Evolving: The mole or lesion is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or a new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting appears. 

These guidelines help identify suspicious moles that may require further examination by a healthcare professional to rule out Melanoma. 

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the revelus commitment

safety

Your health is our priority. We treat each condition with precision and adhere to the highest safety standards in every aspect of your care.

focus

We’re dedicated to you. We listen to your concerns and develop personalized treatment plans to address your skin condition with effective, patient-centered care.

experience

With extensive expertise, our team delivers comprehensive treatments designed to restore and maintain your skin’s health, ensuring the best possible outcomes.