Melanoma: Self-examination

Melanomas are the least common, but the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is extremely aggressive, and accounts for most of the deaths related to skin cancer. This cancer progresses very quickly once it has spread beyond the skin, into the internal organs.

On the other hand, when discovered early, melanoma is relatively easy to treat, and has an extremely high survival rate when compared to many other cancers. Thus, it is extremely important to identify the melanoma quickly, and to seek treatment.

Self-examination is the most common way to identify skin cancer. While most of us are not qualified to diagnose skin cancer properly, we, the patient know our body the best, and are in a position to identify any irregularities first. Generally, you or your loved ones are the most likely people to identify or suspect skin cancer, at which point, a visit to the dermatologist is made. The more you understand about skin cancer, the earlier you will be able to identify the warning signs and have a medical expert treat it.

As early discovery is the most important factor in prognosis, patients owe it to themselves to check their bodies for skin cancer periodically. 10 minutes every few months can save you or a loved one's life.

One of the challenges of identifying melanoma is that it can resemble a mole, which is both common and unrelated to melanoma. The challenge is to identify melanoma growths at an early stage, before they progress and become dangerous. Called the ABCDEs of melanoma, these acronyms will help you identify the key indicators of melanoma.

How to check

Check the head and face area using a mirror. When checking the head, remember to examine your scalp thoroughly, clearing your hair. Use the mirror to check the back area, the neck, and other areas that are difficult to spot. If possible, have a partner check for areas that can be difficult to spot.