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Get answers to your Melanoma questions.
Dr. Hausner’s Bio | Q&A Archive
Skin cancer - melanoma
The primary symptom of any skin cancer is usually a mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin. Any change in appearance of a pigmented skin sore over time is a warning sign. Also, watch for any bleeding from a skin growth.
The ABCD system may help you remember features that might be symptoms of melanoma:
The key to treating melanoma is recognizing symptoms early. You might not notice a small spot of concern if you don't look carefully, so perform thorough self-examinations monthly, and schedule a formal skin exam with a dermatologist yearly.
If you notice any suspicious skin markings, see your health care provider as soon as possible.
Your health care provider will look at the appearance of the growth, sore, or lump. A biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may involve removing a small area of a growth, or the entire growth.
A procedure called sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy may be used for some people with melanoma to see if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Once melanoma has been diagnosed, CT scans or other types of x-ray tests may be done to see if the cancer has spread.
Clinical practice guidline for melanoma: NCCN Medical Practice Guidelines and Oncology:V.2.2009. Accessed July 15, 2009.
Goodson AG, Grossman D. Strategies for early melanoma detection: Approaches to the patient with nevi. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60:719-735.
Markovick SN, Erickson LA, Rao RD, Weenig RH, Prockaj BA, Bardia A, et al. Malignant melanoma in the 21st century, part 1: epidemiology, risk factors, screening, prevention, and diagnosis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82:364-380.
Markovick SN, Erickson LA, Rao RD, Weenig RH, Prockaj BA, Bardia A, et al. Malignant melanoma in the 21st century, part 2: staging, prognosis, and treatment. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82:490-513.
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