Melenoma

The ABCDE method can help identify concerning changes: asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple or uneven colors, diameter, and evolution over time. A mole that looks noticeably different from your others or a new growth that changes, bleeds, itches, or does not heal also deserves attention.

Schedule an evaluation when you notice a new, changing, or unusual spot, particularly one that differs from your other moles. At AVIVA Dermatology, our providers can examine suspicious areas and determine whether monitoring, testing, or another next step is appropriate. You do not need to wait until a spot becomes painful.

Evaluation begins with a careful examination of the suspicious area and may include assessment of other areas of the skin. If a lesion appears concerning, a biopsy can remove some or all of the tissue for laboratory examination. The pathology results determine whether melanoma cells are present and provide information that helps guide treatment.

Treatment depends on factors such as the melanoma’s depth, location, stage, and whether it has spread. Early melanoma is commonly treated surgically by removing the cancer along with an appropriate margin of surrounding skin. More advanced melanoma may require additional treatments coordinated with other specialists, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation.

Your treatment plan will be explained based on your diagnosis and pathology results. Surgery typically involves numbing the treatment area before removing the melanoma and an appropriate margin. Follow-up care may include wound monitoring, additional testing when indicated, and ongoing skin examinations to watch for new or recurrent skin cancers.

Melanoma can grow in two directions. It may spread outward across the skin’s surface during its earliest stages, then begin to grow downward into deeper layers. The deeper the melanoma extends, the greater the chance it has of reaching nearby lymphatic channels or blood vessels, allowing it to spread to other parts of the body. This is why early detection is so important. Finding melanoma before it penetrates deeply often allows for simpler treatment and significantly improves long-term outcomes.

Most melanomas develop because of a combination of ultraviolet exposure, aging, and individual risk factors rather than being directly inherited. However, genetics can play a role. Some families carry inherited gene mutations that increase melanoma risk. In contrast, others simply have traits such as fair skin, light-colored eyes, numerous moles, or difficulty tanning that increase melanoma risk. Even without a known genetic mutation, discussing your personal and family history with Dr. Simone Stalling helps determine whether you would benefit from closer surveillance or additional preventive measures.

Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, who has had melanoma increases your personal risk compared with someone without that family history. The exact amount varies depending on how many relatives have been affected, their ages at diagnosis, shared sun exposure habits, and whether an inherited genetic mutation is present. Because of this increased risk, Dr. Stalling may recommend more frequent full-body skin examinations, regular self-skin checks at home, and diligent sun protection to improve the chances of detecting suspicious changes early.

Follow-up schedules are individualized based on the stage of your melanoma, your overall health, and your risk of developing another skin cancer. Many patients require examinations every three to six months during the first few years after being diagnosed with Melanoma, with visits becoming less frequent if no recurrence is found. Others with higher-risk disease may need closer monitoring. Between appointments, monthly self-examinations are encouraged to help you promptly identify any new or changing spots. Dr. Stalling will recommend a surveillance schedule tailored to your specific diagnosis.

Complete surgical removal is often curative for melanoma detected at an early stage, but continued monitoring remains important. Even after successful treatment, melanoma can occasionally recur, and people who have had one melanoma have a higher chance of developing another in the future. Regular skin examinations, monthly self-checks, and consistent sun protection remain essential parts of long-term care. Ongoing follow-up allows Dr. Stalling to evaluate your skin, monitor your surgical site, and identify any new concerns as early as possible, when treatment is generally most effective.