Melanoma is an aggressive and potentially
life-threatening form of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes—the
pigment-producing cells located in the epidermis. It often develops as a new
mole or from an existing one that begins to change in size, shape, or color.
While melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, it commonly arises on the
chest and back in men and on the legs in women.
Other high-risk locations include the scalp, face,
and neck. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light—whether from the sun or
artificial sources like tanning beds—is a major risk factor. Additional risk
factors include fair skin, a history of blistering sunburns, family history
of melanoma, and having many atypical moles.
Early detection is vital to improving outcomes.
Dermatologists at Charlotte Dermatology perform thorough full-body skin exams
and recommend monthly self-checks using the ABCDE method:
A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Irregular, blurred, or notched edges
C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven distribution
D – Diameter: Greater than 6mm (about the size of a pencil
eraser)
E – Evolving: Any change in shape, size, or color
over time
Suspicious lesions are biopsied, and staging is
determined based on tumor thickness, ulceration, and lymph node involvement
(Stages 0–IV). For early-stage melanoma, surgical excision with clear margins
is often curative. For intermediate or advanced cases, treatment may include
sentinel lymph node biopsy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, or
radiation therapy.
At Charlotte Dermatology, our board-certified
dermatologists offer on-site diagnostics and coordinate advanced care plans
across the region. For select cases, patients may be referred to clinical
trials or oncology partnerships when needed. Preventive care—including sun
protection, annual exams, and regular monitoring—is a cornerstone of our
approach to melanoma management.
THE TREATMENTS BELOW CAN HELP WITH MELANOMA:
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