12 VITALITY Fall 2022 SKIN CARE Did you know skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Though less common than other skin cancers, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. It can even be fatal if diagnosed at a late stage. But if found before it has had a chance to grow, melanoma is very treatable. HOW TO SPOT MELANOMA Melanoma can look different on different people. Often, it’s mistaken for a mole, freckle or age spot. To help recognize it, you can use the ABCDEs of melanoma. If you find a spot on your skin, ask yourself these questions: » Asymmetry. Does one half of the spot look different than the other? » Border. Does it have an irregular or undefined border? » Color. Does it have different shades of tan, brown or black, or parts that are white, red or blue? » Diameter. How big is it? Melanomas are usually bigger than a pencil eraser, but they can be smaller. » Evolving. Has the spot changed shape, size or color? GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN Here are six simple steps to check your body for melanoma: 1 In a full-length mirror, look over the front and back of your body, raising your arms to check your sides. 2 Closely examine your forearms, underarms and palms. 3 Check in between your toes and the soles of your feet. 4 Use a hand-held mirror to help you see the back of your neck and scalp. 5 Part your hair to get a closer look at the skin on your head. 6 Lastly, use the hand-held mirror to check your back and buttocks. Remember, it’s important to see a dermatologist if you have any spots that you think might be melanoma. Only your medical provider can diagnose skin cancer. So if you find something, make an appointment right away. Get to know a skin care expert Murphy R. Mastin, M.D., is the medical director of the CMH Dermatology Clinic. He is highly trained in diagnosing and treating patients with skin conditions. Dr. Mastin attended medical school at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and was an inaugural member of MU School of Medicine Springfield Clinical Campus, where he spent his final two years of medical school and received clinical training at the two Springfield hospitals. He completed an internship and dermatology residency at the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, Minnesota. He is board eligible by the American Board of Dermatology. CMH Dermatology Clinic is located at 1125 N. Butterfield Road in Bolivar. Dr. Mastin is accepting new patients. Could it be melanoma? How to recognize this skin cancer DERMATOLOGYSERVICES CMH offers care that includes: » Acne, warts and psoriasis. » Allergic, photo-induced and pigmentary skin disorders. » Blistering skin diseases. » Cosmetic care: soft tissue fillers and injections. » Cryosurgery. » Dermatopathology. » Full-body skin examinations. » Rashes in adults and children. » Removal and treatment of benign and malignant skin lesions. » Skin cancer, such as melanoma, and precancerous growths. » Skin infections. FOR INFORMATION OR TOMAKE ANAPPOINTMENT, call 417-328-4500 or go to cmhbolivar.info/dermatology.
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