MALIGNANT MELANOMA: THE WARNING SIGNS

What is Melanoma?

• Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes, which are the pigment producing cells of the skin.

• Most commonly occurs in the skin, however may also be found in the eyes, ears, GI tract, Central Nervous System, and in the oral and genital mucous membranes.

• The most common cancer in women aged 25-29 years and is second only to breast cancer in women aged 30-34 years.

Melanoma

• This cancer is more likely to occur on areas that are less often exposed and more frequently burned, such as the backs of men and the legs of women.

• It can be fatal if it is neglected, therefore early detection and prompt removal of a Melanoma can save a life.

Risk Factors

• Age older than 20 years, especially if you are over 60.

• Fair complexion, inability to tan, and a history of sunburns.

• Numerous moles, changing moles, or a history of atypical moles.

• A personal or family history of Melanoma (first-degree relative).

• A personal or family history of Basal cell or Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Where to look…

• White women: Upper back and lower legs, arms, head, and neck.

• White men: Upper back, chest, abdomen, arms, head and neck.

• Melanoma is rare in people with darker skin tones. It may occur on the palms, soles, or in the nail beds.

Warning Signs

• New, changing, or unusual moles – Most moles appear by age 30, but adults can develop new ones

throughout adulthood. • Moles that become symptomatic

– Itching – burning – painful

• An initial slow horizontal growth phase – The mole appears to spread wider on the skin’s surface

• If untreated, this will be followed by a vertical growth phase which indicates invasive disease and potential metastasis.

• Prognosis is based on the thickness of the tumor.

Perform A Monthly Skin Self-Examination

• Check yourself on a monthly basis.

• Report any lesion that is red, scaling, scabbing, bleeding, and/or non-healing, especially if it lasts longer than one month. • Look for the ABCDEs of melanoma detection.

• Daily wear of sunscreen SPF 30+ to all exposed areas of skin. – Re-apply every 90-120 minutes when outside. – Wear hats, sunglasses, etc.

“A” is for Asymmetry

• A mole in which one half does not match the other.

“B” is for Irregular Border

• A mole with a scalloped or poorly defined border.

“C” is for Varied Color

• A mole that consists of multiple shades of black, brown, white, red, and/or blue.

“D” is for Diameter

• A mole that has a diameter larger than that of a pencil eraser.

“E” is for Evolution

• A mole that changes in size, shape, or color over time.

About DuPage Medical Group

DuPage Medical Group has 10 dermatologists located throughout the western suburbs that treat people of all ages for common to advanced skin ailments. If you would like to make an appointment with a DMG dermatologist, please call any of the numbers listed below or visit our website at www.dupagemedicalgroup.com/services/dermatology

Glen Ellyn Hinsdale Lombard Naperville Naperville Plainfield Wheaton

430 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 180

908 N. Elm St., Suite 202

1801 S. Highland Ave., Suite L40

2155 City Gate Lane, Suite 225

640 S. Washington St., Suite 350

12004 S. Rt. 59, Suite 100

199 Town Square, Suite A, C & D

630-545-7855 630-286-5050 630-286-5050 630-547-5040 630-547-5040 630-547-5040 630-871-6690