Understanding the ABCDEs of Melanoma

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the Unites States resulting in more than 3.5 million new cases a year, but it’s also the most preventable. Although it can be extremely harmful and potentially deadly, by understanding the risk factors and symptoms, and enrolling in MoleSafe’s early detection screening and surveillance program, you can decrease your risk and increase your survival rate.

A sudden or continuous change in the appearance of a mole is a sign that you should see your doctor. The ABCDE rule can help you remember the symptoms of melanoma:

· Asymmetry- One half is different than the other half

· Border Irregularity- The edges are notched, uneven, or blurred

· Color- The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan, and black are present

· Diameter- Diameter is greater than 6 millimeters

· Evolving- Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait can point to danger

Melanomas are also typically elevated, firm and are growing. The majority of patients at risk include: patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome (do we need to define this?), patients with more than 50 moles, patients with a history of melanoma, patients with a family history of melanoma, people who have had transplants and have been on immunosuppressive medications, people who tan, people who have had one or more blistering sunburns, and people who have naturally light hair, light skin and/or light eyes. Regardless of the cause, the only way to effectively manage melanoma is prevention and early detection.

Additionally, there are several other warning signs that indicate there could be a potential problem. They include:

· The appearance of a new bump or nodule

· Color spreads into surrounding skin

· Redness or swelling beyond the mole

· Pain

· Tenderness

· Itching

· Bleeding

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor and enroll in MoleSafe’s early detection program right away. By enrolling in MoleSafe’s program, located in Millburn, N.J., you are getting access to the most advanced technology and experts that identify suspicious moles at the earliest possible stages and you are reducing the number of unnecessary removal of benign lesions.

For more information or to book your initial screening today, please call 1-877-326-6518 or visit http://molesafe.com/millburn/screening/.