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By Sierra Mahoney, PA-C
April showers bring May flowers, and the flowers certainly are in full bloom this season! It’s warm, the sun is shining, and the sweet smell of melanoma is in the air.
“Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. Sadly, melanoma rates in the United States doubled from 1988 to 2019, and worldwide, the number of melanoma diagnoses are expected to increase by more than 50% by 2040”, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. The good news is that melanoma is treatable when caught early. Here at Midstate Skin Institute, we recommend that everyone over the age of thirty get at least one annual skin exam to help detect and treat melanoma- as well as other forms of skin cancer.
Living in Florida has many wonderful benefits, one of which being the warm, sunny climate. However, more sun means more UV ray exposure which means more skin cancer. One of my favorite lines to tell patients is that everyone will develop a skin cancer at some point if they live long enough. This is because our skin can only handle so much UV radiation before cells start to misbehave, which is why establishing care with a dermatology practice is so important. So, what are some things you can do as a patient to help ensure your skin stays as healthy as possible?
1. Wear Sunscreen
We all know that “back in the day,” baby oil and iodine was the perfect way to develop the nice, crisp, golden-brown tan…and to increase your risk of developing melanoma. Interestingly enough, there is a genetic component to melanoma, which can sometimes explain why we see melanoma in young kids, or in places where the sun does not shine, like in between the toes (RIP Bob Marley) or in the genital region, which leads me to my next point…
2. Fully undress for skin exams
As uncomfortable as it may be, removing all undergarments, shoes and socks during skin exams just may save your life. My favorite joke to tell patients when they come in for skin exams and do not wish to fully undress is that my x-ray vision is not working today…however, this is true. I just recently had a patient develop a melanoma between his toes who had been seen for “waist up” skin exams for years. Luckily, the melanoma was discovered in the very beginning stages, but had he not removed his shoes and socks this time, the story may have ended differently.
Please do not let insecurities, being “too cold,” or not “feeling” like fully undressing be the thing that prevents catching something potentially life-threatening on your skin. Taking the extra 30 seconds to fully undress just may save your life.
3. Be an advocate for yourself
As a dermatology provider I can whole-heartedly say that I do my best to diagnose and treat every possible harm that may come your way…however, you know your body best and we at Midstate Skin Institute will not dismiss or ignore anything that you as a patient have a concern about. Not all melanomas “read the textbook,” so it is especially important that you advocate for yourself as patient. See a new mole appear (especially after the age of forty) and want to have it looked at? Notice a change in a pre-existing spot? Have a spot that looks different than your other spots? Develop a spot that is tender to the touch or that bleeds spontaneously? Please call or schedule an appointment online so we can help treat you accordingly.
4. Stay Informed
While (unfortunately) it is true that not all melanomas read the textbook, there is a quite easy and fairly accurate mnemonic that everyone should know when it comes to detecting a melanoma: ABCDE.
A: Asymmetry (does one part of the spot look different from the other? Make an appointment in office)
B: Borders (does a spot have weird borders surrounding it or an unusual shape? Make an appointment in office)
C: Colors (pinks, blues, grays, and blacks are not always normal. If you see this in a spot, make an appointment in office)
D: Diameter (the larger the spot, the more concerning. If you see a spot growing- make an appointment in office)
E: Evolution (have a spot that started out looking one way, and has morphed/changed over time in size, shape, color, or appearance? Make an appointment in office).
There is far more that could be said on the topic, but the bottom line is that we love and care for our patients here at Midstate Skin Institute and we always want what is best for you. Please come and see our smiling faces so we can continue to work together to provide you with the best care possible and to keep your skin as healthy as possible this blossoming season!
MidState Skin Institute Services:
Medical Dermatology
The science of treating the skin, hair, and nails to relieve or cure skin disorders.
Surgical Dermatology
The practice of dermatology that specializes in surgical procedures & minimally invasive techniques to treat skin cancer.
Cosmetic Dermatology
The practice of improving the look and health of one’s skin through medical or surgical procedures, to help patients look and feel their best.
Aesthetics
Treatment for the skin, hair or body that is meant to enhance the appearance of patients through minimally invasive techniques & personalized topical skin care recommendations.
