Screening, diagnosis, and treatment for the three main types of skin cancer.
Melanoma develops in pigment-producing cells and is the most serious form of skin cancer because of its ability to spread quickly to other parts of the body if not caught early. It often appears as a new or changing mole with an irregular border, uneven color, or a diameter larger than a pencil eraser.
A combination of UV exposure, genetics, fair skin, and a high number of moles all contribute to melanoma risk.
Daily sun protection, avoiding tanning beds, and regular self-exams and professional skin checks for early detection.
Surgical excision is the primary treatment for early melanoma; more advanced cases may require lymph node evaluation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Myth: Melanoma only develops from an existing mole. Fact: Roughly 70% of melanomas arise on skin that previously looked normal, which is why checking all skin, not just existing moles, matters.
Immediately if you notice a new or changing mole using the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6mm, Evolving) -- early detection dramatically improves outcomes.