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Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer — but when caught early, it’s highly treatable. Left undetected, it can spread quickly and become life-threatening. That’s why awareness and early action are key.
How to Detect Melanoma:
The best way to spot melanoma early is by monitoring your skin regularly and knowing what to look for. We recommend following the ABCDEs of Melanoma when examining moles or spots:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- C – Color: Varies in shade or has multiple colors.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.
How to Perform a Self-Exam:
- Examine your entire body in a well-lit room, ideally in front of a full-length mirror.
- Use a hand mirror to check hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and behind your ears.
- Don’t forget less obvious spots like between your toes, under your nails, and on the soles of your feet.
- Take photos or notes of any moles to track changes over time.
We recommend doing a self-exam once a month and scheduling an annual full-body skin check with a board-certified dermatologist.
We’re here for you.
If you notice something new or changing — or if you just want peace of mind — don’t wait. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and schedule an appointment. Early detection truly saves lives.
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