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Dear friends:
July is UV Safety Month
Melanoma is a pigmented mole or tumor, i.e. skin cancer. During a physical exam for skin problems, your physician will examine the skin over your whole body, looking for growths, moles, or lesions. The scalp is also examined.
A skin examination is important if you have:
* a suspicious mole or skin lesion
* symptoms of early skin cancer
* a history of previous skin cancer
* 50 or more moles
* atypical moles
* a family history of skin cancer
Early signs of skin cancer are a change in the skin, such as a growth, irritation or a sore that does not heal.
Signs include the following:
* One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
* The edges are ragged, notched or blurred
* The color-the pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of brown, tan or black are present. Dashes of red, white and blue add to the mottled appearance. Changes in the color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, are also an early sign of melanoma.
* The mole or skin growth is larger than the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be of concern.
* Sensation of itching, tingling, or burning.
* Consistency, such as softening or small pieces that break off easily.
Adults should examine their skin at least once a month with a physical exam by the physician at least once a year. DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR SUN BLOCK ON YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN. This is most important in the prevention of skin cancer. Early detection of melanoma can be lifesaving.
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15
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