Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes –the pigment-producing cells of the skin. Risk factors include intense intermittent UV exposure, red hair, light skin, family history of melanoma, tanning bed use, atypical moles, and immune suppression. Melanoma can also occur randomly in non-sun-exposed skin such as the palms, soles, nails, and eyes. This latter type of melanoma is more common in patients with darker skin tones.

While it is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma accounts for 90% of all skin cancer deaths, and the incidence continue to rise. The severity of melanoma is based on how deep it grows. Treatment includes wide surgical removal, but if the melanoma is deep or has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy or radiation may be required.  If caught early, melanoma is almost completely curable.

 Subtypes of Melanoma

Melanoma exists in four main types.

Superficial spreading melanoma: The most common type of melanoma. It may arise in an already existing mole or appear as a new lesion. Although it can be found in nearly any area of the skin, it most likely appears on the torso in men and on the legs in women. This type of melanoma may appear as a very dark or multi-colored, asymmetrical patch with uneven borders. The deeper it grows the more severe it is.

Lentigo maligna: This type is more common in older people and arises on sun-damaged skin like the face, ears, and arms. The cancerous cells typically stay in the top layer of the skin but can grow wide into a broad patch. Lentigo maligna may appear as a flat, blotchy, multi-colored patch with uneven borders.

Acral lentiginous melanoma: This is the commonest among people of color, especially in individuals of African ancestry. It mostly appears in hard-to-spot places such as under the nails (sub-ungual) and on the soles of the feet or palms.

Nodular melanoma: This type of melanoma is the most aggressive type. It makes up about 10 to 15 percent of all melanoma cases. Nodular melanoma grows deeper into the skin more rapidly and is usually found on the torso, legs and arms, as well as the scalp in older men. It often appears as a bump on the skin, usually blue-black and on rare occasions, red in color.

Symptoms of Melanoma

The ABCDE rule is a handy tool that can help you identify potential abnormal moles or melanomas. It tells you what signs to look for when examining your skin including:

Asymmetry: If the shape of one half of the growth doesn't match the shape of the other half.

Border irregularity: If the edges are blurred, ragged, or notched.

Color: If the growth has different shades of color like tan, brown, pink, and black.

Diameter: If the size of the mole is greater than 6 mm i.e., about the size of a pencil eraser.

Evolution: If there is a change in the size, shape, surface, color, or development of new symptoms like itching or tenderness.

Diagnosis and treatment of melanoma in Sugarland Texas

For early-stage melanomas, treatment will usually include surgery to remove the melanoma. On these occasions, this may be the only treatment needed. However, if the melanoma has spread beyond the skin, then additional treatments like surgery to remove affected lymph nodes, immunotherapy, targeted drug treatments, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, may be involved.

Sweetwater Dermatology serves both men and women of all ages in Sugarland, Texas. Here, our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Likhari, will take time to assess any skin mole, make the appropriate diagnosis and offer you the best treatment possible.

Call today to schedule to check that your skin mole on 832-615-3201 or book online below.