Melanoma

Melanoma is skin cancer arising from the melanocytes.  Melanocytes make the pigment in skin, eyes, and hair.  It is the most serious form of skin cancer and affects people of all races and skin types.  More than 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, and more than 8,000 people die from melanoma yearly. 

Melanoma is second only to breast cancer in young women, and tanning behavior is the most likely reason for this disturbing trend.  While genetic factors play a role in melanoma development, the best defense is sun avoidance and sun protection measures.  Avoiding sun exposure between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, using daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and sun protective clothing are practices that decrease the risk.

Early detection of melanoma through regular self skin exams and yearly exams by a dermatologist are keys treating this threatening skin cancer early, and avoiding complications.

Bellaire Dermatology Association physicians routinely provide skin cancer screenings and map patients’ moles so that skin cancers can be detected and treated at the earliest stage possible.  Our providers biopsy any suspicious lesions, and then can surgically excise the lesion.  Our team provides comprehensive skin cancer education, with handouts and demonstrations to arm patients against this terrible cancer.