At Schlessinger MD, nothing is more important than skin health, and that includes helping our patients prevent and successfully treat skin cancer. While there are various types of cancerous moles, melanoma remains the deadliest and is being diagnosed at younger ages than ever before. However, the good news is with advancements in treatment, melanoma deaths declined rapidly from 2013 to 2017, and if caught early enough, melanoma can be successfully treated.
Our board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger are answering the top questions about spotting melanoma, including how it presents in different skin tones, as well as their top tips for skin cancer prevention. In this article, you’ll learn:
- What is melanoma?
- How has the risk of getting cancerous moles changed in recent years?
- How does melanoma present in different skin tones?
- Where does melanoma commonly present on the body?
- How can you prevent malignant melanoma cancer?
What is melanoma?
Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon explains, “Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer that, if left untreated, can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma usually starts as irregular moles that develop mutations and grow out of control, often due to years of unprotected sun exposure, blistering sunburns or tanning bed use.”
Most of the time, melanomas look like an irregular brown spot with multiple colors, but they can also be black, red, pink,blue or purple. They can also look like a dark streak under a fingernail or toenail. Moles that are itching or bleeding are also of concern and should be checked. In general, an easy way to determine if you have a mole that should be evaluated is to follow the American Academy of Dermatology’s ABCDE rule of melanoma:
- A – Asymmetry – Does one half of the mole not match the other?
- B – Border – Are the edges of the mole irregular?
- C – Color – Is the mole uneven in color or contain multiple colors?
- D – Diameter – Is the mole’s diameter larger than a pencil eraser?
- E – Evolution – Has the mole changed in size, shape or color?
If you have a mole that fits any of these categories, schedule an appointment immediately with our board-certified dermatologists. We can quickly assess whether your mole will need to be removed and evaluated further.
How has the risk of getting cancerous moles changed in recent years?
Overall, your risk of melanoma increases with age, as well as if you have a first-degree relative (e.g., parent, sibling or child) that has been diagnosed with melanoma. You also have a greater chance of developing melanoma if you have fair skin, blonde or red hair, live at altitude, have a weakened immune system or have more than fifty moles.
Board-certified dermatologist as well as Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Daniel Schlessinger adds, “In recent years, the risk of having a melanoma diagnosis or other cancerous moles, especially at younger ages and in women, has increased from what we’ve seen in the past. This is probably due to a variety of factors, including increased tanning bed use, sunbathing habits at younger ages and greater sun exposure.”
Additionally, the changing nature of our environment is likely adding to an increase in melanoma diagnosis in recent years, primarily due to the depletion of the ozone layer, which has increased ground level ultraviolet radiation.
How does melanoma present in different skin tones?
Contrary to popular belief, people of all skin tones can get melanoma. While people with fair skin tones are more likely to develop melanoma, people with melanin-rich skin tones are still susceptible. The lifetime risk of developing melanoma is 1 in 1,000 for Black people, 1 in 200 for Hispanic people and 1 in 33 for Caucasians.
For people of color, melanoma is less likely to be caused by UV exposure, but it still happens. People with melanin-rich skin are more likely to develop acral-lentiginous melanoma, which is a rare form of melanoma that occurs on the palms of the hand, soles of the feet or under a fingernail or toenail. Everyone, no matter your skin color, should always keep an eye out for any new or changing moles or spots.
Where does melanoma most commonly present on the body?
Cutaneous melanoma, which is the most common type and is caused by UV exposure, can happen anywhere on the body. It primarily pops up in areas of skin that see the sun the most, including the scalp, face, shoulders, legs, arms and neck. Non-cutaneous melanomas occur in areas that rarely see the sun and where you may not suspect. Mucosal melanoma, for example, develops in the body’s mucus membranes, such as the mouth, eyelid, or gastrointestinal tract. Ocular melanoma occurs in the retina, making it more difficult to detect.
How can you prevent malignant melanoma cancer?
The best way to prevent melanoma and other skin cancers is to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 all day, every day, even on cloudy days and during the winter. Dr. Joel Schlessinger adds, “For optimal protection, I recommend you apply a silver dollar-sized amount of sunscreen to your face, neck and chest and at least a shot glass-sized amount for the body.” When you spend time outdoors, limit your time between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., seek shade and wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
If you’re looking to upgrade your daily sunscreens, here are a few of our top picks:
For the face: Colorescience Total Protection™ No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
All mineral, yet sheer and lightweight, this everyday sunscreen shields against the sun with 10% zinc oxide, blends into most skin tones and also protects against blue light and pollution with EnviroScreen Technology.
For the eyes: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
Perfect for everyday use or on delicate skin around the eyes post in-office treatments, this versatile eye sunscreen can be used all around the orbital bone to minimize puffiness, diminish dark circles and protect against sun damage with 6.7% zinc oxide and 7.9% titanium dioxide.
For the lips: EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 Lip Sunscreen
This sunscreen is perfect for protecting lips all year long as a 2-in-1 product that defends against sun damage with 7% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate while moisturizing to prevent dryness and irritation of the lips.
For the face & body: TiZO Ultra Zinc Mineral Sunscreen for Face & Body SPF 40
Gentle yet effective, this 20% zinc oxide mineral sunscreen deflects the sun’s rays and the formula is reef safe, making it perfect for beach vacations or everyday use.
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger adds, “To boost your sunscreen protection, I recommend using a supplement like HELIOCARE Ultra Antioxidant Supplements daily. This supplement is formulated with polypodium leucotomos extract, vitamin C and pomegranate extract, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect skin against sun damage.”
When it comes to melanoma, you should get familiar with your skin, perform regular self-checks and never miss your yearly skin check-up with our board-certified dermatologists. If you have a history of irregular moles, we may want to see you twice a year or more frequently.
Ready to schedule your annual skin cancer check? To reserve an appointment with Dr. Joel Schlessinger or one of our physician assistants, visit our appointment page and book conveniently online. You can also check out our list of Schlessinger MD’s Best Sunscreens of 2024 to find the perfect sunscreen that provides optimal daily protection for the face and body.