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Dermatology Facts—Melanoma DetectionBecause melanoma usually begins on the surface of the skin, it often can be detected at an early stage. Checking the skin regularly for any signs of the disease increases the chance of finding melanoma early. Examining the skin once a month is very important for people who have any of the risk factors, but doing skin self-exams is a good idea for everyone. Here is the way to do a skin self-exam:
In addition to doing routine skin self-exams, people at risk should have their skin checked by a doctor. The doctor can do a skin exam during visits for regular checkups. People who think they have atypical nevi should point them out to the doctor. It is also important to tell the doctor about any new or changing moles. Because most moles, including most atypical nevi, do not develop into melanoma, removing all of them is not necessary. Usually, only moles that look like melanoma, those that change, or those that are new and look abnormal need to be removed. MOLESMoles are spots usually tan or brown, but may be pink, to skin colored or black. Doctors call moles nevi (one mole is a nevus). Moles occur when pigment forming cells in the skin called melanocytes grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. Melanocytes make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment, causing the skin to darken, or tan. DYSPLASTIC NEVIAbout 1 out of every 10 people has at least one unusual (or atypical) mole that looks different from an ordinary mole. The medical term of these moles is dysplastic nevi. But, this term is falling out of favor. Many dermatologists just use the term atypical nevi. |
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