Malignant Melanoma

Sunburn, long-term sun exposure, and sun bathing are not issues to be taken lightly. Exposure to the sun or ultraviolet light, especially exposure which has caused sun burn or long term sun bathing, are contributing factors to a form of skin cancer known as malignant melonoma. Sunburns which cause blistering and radiation exposure from tanning beds increase your risk for melanoma. Sun exposure causing sunburn early in life further increases melanoma risk.

Melanoma is extremely dangerous. If not treated early, it is an aggressive form of cancer that is fatal and incurable. It will metastasize to other organs, including the brain, liver, and bone tissue. In 2009, over 8,000 people in the United States alone, died from Melanoma. (Data from the National Cancer Institute).

Treatment & Prevention

Fortunately, if caught early enough, melanoma is almost always curable. You should regularly examine your skin for suspicious looking moles. A periodic exam by a dermatologist can save your life. If a melanoma is caught early, it can be surgically excised.

If a melanoma is discovered too late, CT scans, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are forms of treatment.

What should you look for? (ABCDE)

Examine moles, pigmented areas, and skin lesions on your body and look for the following attributes: Asymmetry, irregular Border, Color that is varied from one area to another, Diameter that is greater than the size of a pencil eraser (but they can be smaller than that), and Evolving or changing in size, shape or color.

Risk factors

If you have a relative such as a parent or grandparent who has had melanoma, this puts you at higher risk for the disease. Anyone can get a melonoma, but people with fair skin are at higher risk. If you have spent a lot of time in the sun or spent time sunbathing or tanning, you are at an increased risk.

How to lower your risks

By using sunscreen, wearing a hat, and avoiding excess sun exposure, you can dramatically lower your risk for melanoma. You should avoid tanning booths under all circumstances.

VIEW OTHER COMMON CONDITIONS


Treatments for this Condition

Our Locations

Find us on the map

Serving Patients in and around Palm Beach County

Palm Beach Dermatology has been serving patients in and around Palm Beach County for over twenty years, we are a full-service dermatology and dermatological surgery practice with special emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. All physicians in our group are Board Certified by The American Board of Dermatology and are Fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology. We invite you to visit us at Palm Beach Dermatology to find out why you can trust our skin care team.

  • "To My Wonderful Doctor! I just couldn’t wait 6 months to tell you what I think of you! You are friendly, kind, gentle, soft spoken and you don’t want to hurt me! You’re Special and …. YOU REALLY CARE!! Thank You For You!"
    Marilyn T.
  • "Dr. Muhart is truly a very caring and professional doctor. I have referred many friends, family members and co-workers to her office knowing they will get great care."
    Karen C.
  • "Dr. Lifshitz has an incredibly gentle bedside manner. He diagnoses issues with ease and offers possible ways to address them so the patient can make the best decision for him or herself. I know I am in great hands with Dr. Lifshitz."
    Ami S.
  • "The office team is very personable and friendly. When you walk in you feel like family. Brian is the best. I have been going to Brian for over 5 years and would never change. It is great to see him again and the staff. Absolutely wonderful!!"
    Anonymous
  • "Dr. Kowalczyk and his staff are awesome! The office staff is both efficient and friendly. His exam is thorough. I will definitely be back!"
    Jenna J.
  • "As a longtime skin cancer patient I’m impressed with Dr. Kelley’s professionalism and follow-ups. She and her staff are all about results and patient satisfaction. Quite different from the other “Mohs Mills”!"
    Woody B.
  • "Dr. Fayne saw my daughter for her acne. He was great with her and explained everything so she could understand. We love the office staff too!"
    Kristen B.
  • "I have been seeing Dr. DiBacco going on 10 years. Truly, a great dermatologist. He cares and is very personable. He is detailed with his assessments and treatments. What more could you ask for except a great personality? Oh, and he has that too!"
    Alex M.
  • "Dr. Cohen makes you feel like part of his family. He is very thorough in his exams and keeps you informed during your dermatological office visits and any telephone follow-ups."
    Steven D.