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Healthy |
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ME! |
Deadly Skin Cancer |
 By Dr. Janice Moranz |
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Some habits can kill you. Others can save your life! In January, the masses resolve to change their life but by February many of the best intentions have fallen by the waste side. The main stream media have developed cute tricks to help us incorporate important habits into our lives. Installing new batteries in the smoke detector when changing the clock for day light savings, having your cholesterol checked during National Heart Month in February, or using a shower card to remember to check your breasts for lumps once a month are some nifty ideas. Unfortunately, there is no catchy slogan to remind people to check their bodies for moles, and this simple act, done regularly, can save your life. Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. The chance of developing a melanoma is 1 in 75. In women ages 25-29, it is the most common cancer and it is second only to breast cancer in women ages 30-34. Peope of all races and color can get melanoma, but it is ten times more common in Anglos than in African Americans and two to four times more common in Hispanics. This year, vow to prevent or at least discover melanoma early. When melanoma is detected in an early stage and removed, the patient is almost always cured. Do a self-exam once a month |
examining all of your skin using good lighting, mirrors, and a blow dryer to check your scalp. Look for growths that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, have two or more colors (especially blue and black), and have a diameter larger than a pencil eraser. Just remember your ABCD’s:
Besides checking yourself each month, you should also have an exam yearly with your dermatologist. Everyone is at risk of getting melanoma, but some are at a higher risk than others. Genetics plays an important role. If you have a close family member who has melanoma, your chances are about 50% that you will inherit the same problem. Melanomas are also more common in people who have had severe sunburns. Be watchful for unusual "atypical" moles. Atypical moles have some of the ABCD characteristics. People with many moles are at higher risk. The more risk factors you have, the more often you should be seen by your dermatologist. A once a year check-up is fine for people with few risk factors. People who have had a melanoma are at the highest risk of developing additional |
growths and should be seen every three months. Atypical moles that are removed prevent melanoma. Once a melanoma develops, the depth of the melanoma determines survival. Thin melanomas are least likely to have spread through the lymph system, and so chances of survival is great. The deeper the melanoma, the more likely it may have spread to the lymph system and to organs of the body. When melanoma has spread, chances for survival are small. That is why prevention is important. Minimize sun exposure. Dark colored and tightly woven fabrics provide the most protection. Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide on all exposed skin. Avoid tanning parlors. The UVA rays they provide may not burn you, but they penetrate deeper and alter the DNA of your cells, which is what defines cancer. Remember, melanoma if detected early is curable. Stay alert, watch your ABCD’s, and keep the habit that can save your life. Dr. Moranz is a dermatologist in solo private practice in Albuquerque. Call 880-1920 to set up an appointment or consultation. |
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