What Is Melanoma?
In the United States, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in men and the sixth most common cancer in women. It is estimated that over 100,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year. That said, most skin cancers aren’t melanoma. Melanoma is only 1% of all skin cancer cases in America.
Melanoma is the most aggressive and dangerous type of skin cancer. If it is not caught early, it can be fatal. For this reason, it is important to have moles examined annually, particularly if they are unusual or changing or if you have a personal or family history of melanoma. Family history of melanoma, age, those with fair skin or blond or red hair, those with a weakened immune system, and amount of sun exposure of just a few of the risk factors that increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
At Snyder Dermatology, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Renee Snyder, we examine moles to ensure they are healthy. Melanoma skin cancer generally begins with a mole (either existing or new) that has changed and shows signs of irregularity. In most patients, this means the mole has become very dark in color, has irregular borders, and has begun to grow in size, itch, or bleed.
What Causes Melanoma?
Melanocytes (pigmented skin cells in the epidermis) may turn malignant when exposed to sun or ultraviolet light, which causes DNA damage to the cells. This DNA damage allows cells to mutate and grow rapidly, creating melanoma. Some people may also have an inherited predisposition for melanoma, making DNA damage from UV light particularly dangerous. Because the vast majority of people who develop skin cancer can see it on their skin, consistent mole checks and self-exams are very important to aid in early diagnosis and treatment. Call Snyder Dermatology today to schedule your skin cancer screening appointment.
Symptoms of Melanoma
Malignant lesions can be challenging to recognize, especially to the untrained eye. Having regular skin cancer screenings by a trained, board-certified dermatologist is essential. We educate our patients on the presenting symptoms of melanoma with the ABCDE rule. These are the skin cancer symptoms to look for in new or existing moles that may be melanoma warning signs::
- A: Asymmetrical mole (one side is larger than the other, not round or oval in shape)
- B: Borders on the mole (a malignant mole will not have a defined, smooth border)
- C: Color (a malignancy will be various colors throughout the mole or very dark)
- D: Diameter (benign moles usually stay small — moles larger than a pencil eraser are concerning)
- E: Evolving (cancer cells in a malignant mole will keep changing and growing)
While some benign moles, freckles. or other skin growths may have some of these characteristics and signs of skin cancer, you should always make an appointment with your dermatologist to have spots with these concerning features examined. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with darker skin tones as it can be more difficult to notice changes.
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Have questions or want to schedule an appointment? Contact us today to speak with a member of the Snyder Dermatology team. We’re here to address your concerns with compassionate and effective care.
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Having been a patient of Snyder Dermatology for over 10 years, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism, courtesy, and sensitivity to patient needs and concerns. Their staff and Dermatologists are highly trained and the best in the Healthcare industry. I wholeheartedly recommend them.
-Jim B.
Everyone here was so helpful and kind. I haven’t had many Dermatologists who took my case seriously and they were so professional and thorough. I would definitely recommend this office to anyone!
-Brian C.
“Dr. Rene Snyder is saving me from skin cancer. Over the years she has found numerous precancer spots on me, each time treating them with great care and minimal discomfort. And she offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments so I can age gracefully. I’m a lifelong fan.”
-Kim S.
Board-Certified Dermatologists
MEET OUR DOCTORS
Snyder Dermatology is the premier practice for medical and cosmetic dermatology in Austin, TX. Centrally located, our dynamic team of board certified dermatologists focus on providing patients with the most advanced medical care and treatment options. Our practice is distinguished by our compassion, our desire to fully understand our patients’ needs, and our commitment to being good stewards in the communities where we live and work.
Symptoms of Melanoma
Malignant lesions can be challenging to recognize, especially to the untrained eye. Having regular skin cancer screenings by a trained, board-certified dermatologist is essential. We educate our patients on the presenting symptoms of melanoma with the ABCDE rule. These are the skin cancer symptoms to look for in new or existing moles that may be melanoma warning signs::
- A: Asymmetrical mole (one side is larger than the other, not round or oval in shape)
- B: Borders on the mole (a malignant mole will not have a defined, smooth border)
- C: Color (a malignancy will be various colors throughout the mole or very dark)
- D: Diameter (benign moles usually stay small — moles larger than a pencil eraser are concerning)
- E: Evolving (cancer cells in a malignant mole will keep changing and growing)
While some benign moles, freckles, or other skin growths may have some of these characteristics and signs of skin cancer, you should always make an appointment with your dermatologist to have spots with these concerning features examined. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with darker skin tones as it can be more difficult to notice changes.
How to Treat Melanoma
Snyder Dermatology has multiple board-certified dermatologists with specialized training to screen for and treat skin cancer. Treatment for melanoma is based on the type and stage of melanoma, size, and location. Our experienced providers at Snyder Dermatology will work closely with you and discuss the appropriate treatment, which usually includes excision with a standard margin. Our team will work with cancer specialists to assist in your treatment if needed. Additional diagnostic testing may be needed in certain cases, such as a PET or CT scan, blood work, and lymph node biopsy.
Schedule a Consultation
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer you can develop (compared to non-melanoma skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma/squamous cell skin cancer and basal cell carcinoma). Our goal at Snyder Dermatology is to educate our Austin, Downtown Austin, and West Lake Hills, TX, patients about skin cancer development and prevention (whether it be melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer) and to diagnose and treat concerning lesions as early as possible.
Not only do we assess for melanomas and skin cancers, but we also educate you about the measures needed to protect your skin from the sun and ensure you have healthy skin. If you notice changes in your moles or other skin lesions, please make an appointment at our Austin, TX, office today. We’ll help determine if you have squamous cells, basal cells, melanoma, or another skin condition.