Understanding Melanoma | by Dr . Alpesh Desai
so you are aware if anything changes . If you can find a melanoma early , the chances of survival increase drastically . There are several points to evaluate when checking a mole for irregularity . In dermatology , we often refer to the ABCDE ’ s of melanoma when evaluating pigmented lesions :
• Asymmetry — Melanoma is often asymmetric , unlike benign moles
• Border — Melanoma often has illdefined borders
• Color — Melanoma lesions typically have more than one color
• Diameter — Melanoma is usually larger than 5mm , the diameter of a pencil eraser
• Evolving — Melanoma often changes its characteristics , such as size , shape , and color , unlike benign moles that do not frequently evolve
There are three main forms of skin cancer : basal cell carcinoma , squamous cell carcinoma , and melanoma .
Cancerous moles vary greatly in appearance , including one or more of the above criteria . Additionally , it is important to see a dermatology provider on a yearly basis for a thorough skin check . In between visits to the dermatologist , make sure to check your skin every month , including the bottoms of the feet and in between the toes . These are hidden areas where melanoma may occur and people often forget to check . Melanomas are more likely to occur in hidden areas in people with a higher Fitzpatrick skin type . The following melanomas may also be found in hidden areas :
• Acral- ‐Lentiginous Melanoma — Rare form of melanoma occurring underneath a toenail or fingernail . This is more likely to occur in Asians and people with higher Fitzpatrick skin color classification .
• Melanoma of the Mucous Membranes — Includes the digestive tract , urinary tract , vagina , and oral mucosa . These are more difficult to detect as they can mimic more common conditions .
• Melanoma in the Eye — Melanoma in the eye is most likely to occur in the uvea ( the layer behind the white sclera ).
In order to check for hidden melanomas , it is important to have a yearly eye exam with an ophthalmologist . Women should also see a gynecologist yearly to rule out moles or lesions in the genital areas .
How is Melanoma Diagnosed ?
A thorough physical exam with a dermatology provider will be done . If an unusual lesion is detected , a sample ( biopsy ) will be removed and sent to a dermatopathologist for examination .
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