Malignant melanoma skin cancer is highly curable in its early stage.

Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer with basal cell carcinoma being number one, followed by squamous cell carcinoma in second.

Malignant melanoma skin cancer is the most deadly of skin cancers

Melanoma detection plays an extremely important role in curing this cancer. Melanomas vary in shape, size and color. They are usually dark pigmented, but they also may be pale in color, making them look very innocent


Two of the highest risk factors for malignant melanoma are:

• Sun exposure ….and

• Regular tanning bed use.

Other risk factors include:

• Family history of melanoma

• Personal history of melanoma

• Caucasions (but not limited to)

• History of non-melanoma skin cancer

• High number of moles may increase the risk


Many of us have been accustomed to associate tanning with healthier looking skin. But in fact, excessive tanning makes your skin age faster and is a leading cause of malignant melanoma skin cancer.

Ultraviolet rays do have a health benefit for us, but consistent overexposure to the sun and tanning beds can be extremely harmful.

As with most things, the key is moderation.

It is as follows:

• Asymmetry: If the mole is folded upon itself in any plane, one half does not match the other

• Border irregularity: Edges are notched, blurred, or ragged

• Color: There may be differing shades of pink, tan, black, blue, red, or even white within the same mole

• Diameter: Though melanomas may be quite small, any mole over 6 mm (about the diameter of a pencil eraser) is suspicious.

See the Five Signs of Skin Cancer



Do Your Own Self Skin Exam

• A Doctor or a nurse can examine your skin for any abnormalities in moles, birthmarks or other pigmented areas.

• A biopsy can be performed to remove as much as possible.

• A pathologist examines the tissue for cancer cells

I would say to have the biopsy sample checked by a second pathologist as melanoma can be hard to diagnose and it’s nothing to take a chance with.

If the biopsy is found to be cancerous, then the rest can be surgically removed.

Prognosis for malignant melanoma skin cancer is greater if the malignant melanoma has not spread beyond the outer layer of the skin into the lymph nodes or other places in the body.

The best protection would be to avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays and begin a healthy lifestyle to strengthen your immune system.

It’s never too early or too late to take control of your health.

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