Melanoma

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can start its spread before you’re aware of a new or changing mark on your skin. At Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, board-certified dermatologists detect, treat, and prevent melanoma with exceptional skin cancer care. Call Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center or schedule a skin exam online today.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is one of the most severe types of skin cancer as it has a high risk of spreading to other parts of your body. With early detection and treatment, you can stop this from happening. 

Your dermatologist at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center might encourage you to get regular skin cancer screenings where they look over your body for signs of melanoma. Melanoma starts in melanocytes, cells that produce your skin’s pigment. Often, melanoma starts within a mole you already have on your skin. 

Unlike other types of cancer, melanoma tends to show up anywhere on your body, including areas that have not experienced excessive sun exposure. Your Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center dermatologist can teach you how to look for signs of melanoma on your skin. 

What does melanoma look like?

Melanoma can have many different features. It can be a new spot or lesion on your skin or cause changes to a mole or mark you’ve had your entire life. Everyone has a few moles on their bodies, so you should familiarize yourself with where yours are and what they look like.

You should watch your moles for any changes in:

• Shape
• Size
• Symmetry
• Color
• Border definition

It’s important to remember to look for new or changing moles and spots in unusual areas, such as under your nails, the soles of your feet, and the palms of your hands. A dermatologist can assist you with doing a thorough search. 

How is melanoma treated?

Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center works with you to determine the most effective course of treatment, considering the size and location of your melanoma. They also choose treatments based on whether or not the cancer has begun to spread. 

A typical treatment plan for melanoma might involve:

• Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
• Surgical excision
• Laser therapy 
• Mohs surgery 

Mohs surgery is rarely used for melanoma but might be an option for you under certain circumstances. Depending on the stage of your melanoma, your dermatologist might use chemotherapy or radiation to kill cancerous cells. 

To find out more about melanoma detection and treatment, call Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center or book an appointment online today.