Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it can be prevented and easily treated. It’s important that you understand melanoma and how it might present in your body. The sooner melanoma is detected and treated, the easier it is to get rid of. It’s important that you ask your dermatologist questions about melanoma so that you can protect your skin and lower your risk of dealing with it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanoma

Q: What are the common symptoms of melanoma?

A: Melanoma tends to appear in moles on your body. It’s important to check your body regularly for any symptoms and see your dermatologist for skin checks. Melanoma typically forms in areas that are exposed to the sun regularly. You’ll want to check for irregularities in your moles. This could include:

• Discoloration
• Asymmetrical shape
• Uneven borders
• Bleeding or cracking
• Large in diameter

Q: How is melanoma treated?

A: Melanoma can be treated by removing the infected cells from the body. Your dermatologist will likely remove the mole and then continue to check your skin until all the cancerous cells are removed. The process may take a while as your dermatologist slowly removes layers of your skin to check for cancer. This also helps keep your healthy cells intact.

Q: How can melanoma be prevented?

A: The best way to prevent melanoma is by protecting your skin. You should make sure that you avoid the sun as much as possible and cover up whenever you’re outside. Wearing sunscreen and hats can help protect your skin and stop UV rays from causing melanoma.

Contact Our Dermatologist Today

Make sure you ask your dermatologist about any further questions you may have. Contact your dermatologist to learn more about melanoma and how you can protect yourself.