Melanoma

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Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It begins in cells in the skin called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken.
Sometimes, clusters of melanocytes and surrounding tissue form noncancerous growths called moles. Moles are very common. Most people have between 10 and 40
moles. Moles may be pink, tan, brown, or a color that is
very close to the persons normal skin tone. Moles can also be flat or raised and are usually round or over and smaller than a pencil eraser.


How To Do a Skin Self-Exam
Your doctor or nurse may recommend that you do a regular skin self-exam. If your doctor has taken photos of your skin, comparing your skin to the photos can help you check for changes.
The best time to do a skin self-exam is after a shower or bath. You should check your skin in a well-lighted room using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It’s best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes are and what they usually look and feel like.
Check for anything new:
· A new mole (that looks abnormal)
· A change in the size, shape, color, or texture of a mole
· A sore that does not heal
Check yourself from head to toe. Don’t forget to check all areas of the skin, including the back, the scalp, between the buttocks, and the genital area.
1. Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so that you can see better. You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your hair because this is difficult to do yourself.
2. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
3. Bend your elbows and look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.
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