Melanoma skin cancer - Advanced Dermatology & Skin Care

Dr. Sherry Ingraham talks about Melanoma and tips on how to detect it. Melanoma 101 facts to share: It's one of the most common cancers in young adults. Melanoma may be the least common skin cancer, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it's the most common form of cancer for young adults ages 25 to 29 and the second most common cancer for people aged 15 to 29. It affects people of all skin tones.It's true that people with more pigment in their skin have a much lower risk of skin cancer because they have more protection from the sun, but that doesn't give them a free pass to skip sunscreen. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas — the most common types of skin cancer and those most strongly linked to sun exposure — rarely happen in people of color, and melanoma is also rare, but when it does happen, it's mostly on palms and soles. It may not develop in an existing mole. It can happen in people with few or no moles.Yes, melanoma symptoms include a change in the shape, size or color of a mole and the more moles you have, the greater your risk for melanoma. Melanomas can also look like a bruise that doesn't heal or a dark streak under a fingernail or toenail, It can appear in areas not exposed to the sun.Like between your fingers and toes, and on your underarms, butt and genitals. Learn how to do a skin cancer self-exam and read up on the six spots your doc should check for skin cancer. Melanoma is also on the rise in Baby Boomers, who didn't have access to modern sunscreens in childhood. It's the deadliest form of skin cancer...While basal and squamous cell carcinomas are more common than melanoma, they have higher survival rates. According to the AAD, one American dies from melanoma every hour. In 2014, it's estimated that more than 9,700 deaths in the United States will be attributed to melanoma. The earlier you catch a melanoma, the better the survival. Do self skin checks. People with a family history of melanoma can be more prone to it than the rest of the population. If you would like to make an appointment for a skin exam just give one of our clinics a call and make an appointment.