Melanoma Awareness and Early Detection

There are many different types of skin cancer, but melanoma is the most deadly. Fortunately, it is highly treatable when caught during the early stages, which is why early detection is so important. Dr. Linda Park Nims, Dr. Rebecca Rudd Barry, and Dr. Rebecca Redbord, the board-certified providers at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia in Vienna, VA, perform melanoma skin cancer screenings to ensure early detection and prompt treatment. 

Melanoma Risk Factors

Individuals with certain characteristics or factors have a higher risk of developing melanoma. For instance, people with lighter skin, hair, and eyes tend to have an increased risk for melanoma than individuals with darker skin tones, dark hair, and brown eyes. Some factors that are associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma include:

• Fair skin 
• Blonde or red hair 
• Blue or green eyes 
• Having a lot of moles on the skin 
• Excessive exposure to the sun
• Family history of melanoma 
• Weakened immune system
• Sunburn easily 

Early Detection of Melanoma 

More skin cancer deaths in the United States are due to melanoma than any other type of skin cancer. One reason it is so deadly is that it spreads quickly so it is important to catch it during the early stages when it is easier to treat. One way to ensure early detection is to perform skin self-exams once a month, in which you carefully examine all the skin on your body from head to toe. You should also see a dermatologist annually for a skin cancer screening. 

There are several warning signs to look for when performing a skin self-exam. If you notice any of the signs contact our dermatology office in Vienna, VA, for a melanoma skin cancer screening. Signs to look for when examining your skin include:

• Moles with an irregular or poorly defined border
• Moles that are multi-colored instead of one solid color
• Asymmetrical moles in which both halves of the mole differ from one another in size, color, or shape
• Changes in the appearance of an existing mole (height, size, shape, color, or surface)
• Moles with a diameter larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• Moles that become painful or begin oozing, bleeding, or crusting 

Preventing Melanoma

Several steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing melanoma. Some simple ways to protect your skin and prevent melanoma include:

• Staying out of the sun during peak hours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm 
• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher year-round 
• Reapplying sunscreen every two hours while outdoors or immediately after swimming  
• Wearing protective clothing outdoors (pants, long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat)
• Using sunscreen even on cloudy, rainy, or snowy days
• Avoiding direct sunbathing or the use of tanning beds 

Developing an awareness of melanoma that includes regular skin self-exams leads to early detection and better outcomes. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Nims, Dr. Barry, or Dr. Redbord to have a skin cancer screening for melanoma by calling Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia in Vienna, VA, at (703) 938-5700.