Is melanoma always associated with a mole?
We asked Dermatologist Dr. Penelope Pratsou if you can have melanoma without moles. Learn more about getting your skin under control ...
We asked Dermatologist Dr. Penelope Pratsou if you can have melanoma without moles. Learn more about getting your skin under control ...
Dr Penelope Pratsou discusses the duration and the costs of treatment for moles and melanoma.
Moles can be serious, and melanoma is one of the more serious types of skin cancers. There are things you can specifically look for if you suspect melanoma. To check your moles for melanoma, use two mirrors, one facing you and one at the back and check for any changes in size, shape or colour. An easy way to remember that is the A, B, C, D, E rule, and that consists of five simple things.
Melanoma is primarily caused by genetics. People who have fair skin and are more prone to sunburns and freckles are more likely to get melanoma.
The key to preventing melanoma and moles is to take precautions when exposed to the sun. It's also important to have regular mole checks. The most basic version of a mole check is to do at home mole checks and then if you see change or any other concerning factors to see a dermatologist.
To treat melanoma, first, we need to remove the suspicious mole and send it to a lab for diagnosis. If the results are indeed a melanoma, then we perform a further surgical removal of the surrounding skin.