What should i know about melanoma?

Melanoma: Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or red or blond hair, live in sunny climates or at high altitudes, spent a lot of time in high levels of strong sunlight, because of a job or other activities, have had one or more blistering sunburns during childhood, use tanning devices. You are more likely to develop melanoma if the above applies to you.Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Melanoma: In addition to dr. Fisher's answer- prevention and early diagnosis and treatment are the keys. Protect yourself from sun exposure/uv- using sun block, long sleeve, hat etc. Early screening and regular follow up with dermatologist for early diagnosis and treatment. Wide resection with negative margin is the best treatment.If not caught/treated early, melanoma can spread anywhere in the body.

Malignant Melanoma: Aad malignant melanoma screening: asymmetry: 1 half is unlike the other. Border: irregular, scalloped or poorly defined. Color: varied with shades of tan, brown or black; or white, red or blue. Diameter: > 6 mm. Evolving: mole /skin lesion looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color. An irregular mole that itches, bleeds or is painful is worrisome for possible cancer.