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Melanoma is a serious and dangerous form of skin cancer that develops due to damaged DNA in melanocytes — pigment-producing cells. It is usually caused by overexposure to UV lights.
What is it?
Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that originates from the melanocyte cells, which are responsible for skin pigmentation. This cancer often results from long-term overexposure to ultraviolet light sources such as the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps, leading to damage in the DNA of melanocytes. Over time, this damage can lead to mutations and, subsequently, skin cancer. Melanoma has the potential to spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not identified and treated promptly, making early detection crucial.
Alongside your regular skin examination by a board-certified specialist at Midwest Dermatology, you can conduct regular self-examinations using the ABCDE methodology. If you notice a mole or spot with the following characteristics, it's essential to consult a dermatologist immediately:
Limiting exposure to the sun and safeguarding your skin from UV rays can reduce your risk of developing melanoma. While we all enjoy the sunshine, it's important to remember that it can also be detrimental to our skin. In Michigan, sun damage can accumulate throughout the year, even during the harsh winter months, so we advise using SPF 30+ sunscreen and limiting time spent under the potentially harmful rays.
How is it treated?
If you notice a questionable mole or mark, don't hesitate to schedule a session with one of our skin cancer specialists in Farmington Hills, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Warren, or St. Claire Shores, Michigan. Our professional team at our dermatology clinic will conduct an in-clinic skin biopsy to examine any suspicious spots. Your tissue sample will be forwarded to a dermapathologist to determine the presence of cancer cells. Treatment for melanoma is contingent on the specific type of melanoma you have and its current stage - 0, I, II, III or IV. Regardless of your stage, our medical practice is committed to providing expert, compassionate care.
Our team boasts specialized training and certification in a variety of melanoma treatments including surgical excision, Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. As part of the DOCS Dermatology Group, our team also has the advantage of access to groundbreaking clinical trials for those cancers that show less response to conventional treatment.