Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2018

CANCER CARE 5 facts to know about melanoma Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. And even though it’s far from the most common type—melanoma accounts for only about 1 percent of all skin cancers—it does cause most skin cancer deaths. Here are five other facts about melanoma you should know. 1 Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is a major risk factor for melanoma. The most common source of UV rays is the sun. But tanning beds and sunlamps also give off UV rays. Other risk factors for melanoma include: » » Being older. Though younger adults, especially younger women, also get melanoma. » » Having fair skin, freckles, or red or blond hair. » » Having a family history of melanoma. » » Having a personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers. » » Having a weak immune system. » » Being a man older than 50. 2 Melanoma can appear on your body in multiple ways. It may show up as: » » A change to an existing mole. » » A new spot or patch on your skin. » » A slowly growing patch of thick skin that looks like a scar. » » A spot that looks like a changing freckle or age spot. » » A dark streak under a fingernail or toenail. » » A band of darker skin around a nail. 3 The only way to tell if you have melanoma is to have a skin biopsy. If your doctor suspects melanoma, he or she will take a sample of the suspicious spot to look for cancer cells. 4 Surgery is often part of the treatment for melanoma. If melanoma is found early enough, surgery may be the only treatment you need. The surgery may be done in your doctor’s office while you’re awake. However, if the melanoma has spread, you may need more extensive surgery in a hospital. 5 After you’ve been treated, you’ll need follow-up care. If melanoma is going to recur, it’s most likely to return within five years of treatment. That’s why you’ll need checkups and tests for several years afterward. Your doctor also will show you how to examine yourself for any signs that the cancer has returned. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American Cancer Society Have a suspicious- looking mole or spot on your skin? Don’t wait: Let your primary care provider know. citizensmemorial.com 11