Melanoma Specialist

What causes melanoma?

Melanoma skin cancer forms when melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes develop abnormally. These are the cells that are responsible for providing pigmentation in your skin.

It isn’t quite clear what causes these cells to grow out of control, although medical experts do recognize several risk factors and environmental concerns that can lead to melanoma, including:

• Fair skin
• Weakened immune system
• Personal history of sunburns
• Development of 50 or more moles  
• Excessive ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from the sun or tanning beds
  
  

Your risk of developing melanoma also goes up if you have a family history of melanoma. Roughly 10% of all melanoma sufferers have a first-degree relative, like a parent or sibling, who also has a history of melanoma.

How do I know if I have melanoma?

Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body, so it’s important to understand what to look for when it comes to abnormal moles and growths. The acronym “ABCDE” — described below — is helpful for determining if moles are unusual or abnormal.

• A for asymmetrical shape, like a mole that has two different looking halves
• B for border, since abnormal moles tend to have irregular borders or scalloped edges
• C is for changes in color, because melanomas tend to include various shades of color
• D is for diameter, since growths are often considered abnormal if they’re over 1/4 inch
• E is for evolving, because any mole that changes in color, shape, or size is a concern
  
  

During your melanoma evaluation at Seacoast Dermatology, your dedicated dermatologist examines your skin from head to toe looking for any of these abnormalities. If they see any worrisome moles or growths, they can perform a skin biopsy on the spot.

Do I need treatment for melanoma?

If your skin biopsy comes back as positive, results take about 7-10 days, then your expert dermatologist at Seacoast Dermatology, can get you started on melanoma treatment right away. Treating melanoma depends on the severity of the cancer and if it’s spread beyond your skin. Your melanoma treatment plan may include a combination of any of the following therapies:

• Removing abnormal growths and some surrounding healthy tissue
• Biological immune-boosting therapy
• Radiation or chemotherapy
• Lymph node removal
  
  

The team at Seacoast Dermatology, cares for you every step of the way, no matter which melanoma treatment is right for you.

If you have melanoma or have a family history of it, the skilled dermatologists at Seacoast Dermatology, a Forefront Dermatology Practice, can help. Book your melanoma evaluation either online or over the phone.