In this Article

• Introduction
• What does melanoma look like? What are the symptoms and signs?
• What if the skin changes are rapid or dramatic?
• What are the causes and risk factors for melanoma?
• How do I know my level of risk for melanoma?
• What are the types of melanoma?
• How is melanoma diagnosed?
• How do doctors determine the prognosis (outlook) of a melanoma?
• What is the treatment for melanoma?
• What methods are available to help prevent melanoma?
• Conclusions
• Melanoma At A Glance
• Additional Resources
• Melanoma Introduction Glossary
• Melanoma Introduction Index

What methods are available to help prevent melanoma?

1. Reducing sun exposure: Avoidance of sun exposure is the best means of helping to prevent melanoma, followed by wearing hats and tightly woven clothing, and then followed by broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreens applied liberally and often. There has been some controversy about the extent to which sunscreens protect against melanoma. The consensus among dermatologists is that sunscreens are at least partially helpful and are certainly preferable to unprotected sun exposure. (Despite sensational articles in the popular press, there is no credible evidence that sunscreens can cause melanoma.)

2. Early detection: Get your skin checked at least once. Then, if it is recommended, have your skin checked on a regular basis. The American Academy of Dermatology sponsors free skin cancer screening clinics every May all over the country. Special "Pigmented Lesion Clinics" have also been established in many medical centers to permit close clinical and photographic follow-up of patients at high risk. In most areas, these clinics are only available to patients who have been referred to them by a concerned dermatologist.

3. Screening of high-risk individuals: Anyone at high risk, such as anyone with a close relative who has melanoma, should be screened by a doctor for melanoma.

Conclusions

When it comes to spots on the skin, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Melanoma is a potentially serious form of skin cancer. Diagnosed early and treated properly, it can very often be cured. And one more time...

Guideline # 1: Nobody can diagnose him- or herself. If you see a spot that looks as though it is new or changing, show it to a doctor.

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