Hammerling-Hodgers: Don't ignore strange spots on your skin; it could be deadly melanoma
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Ashley, 29, went to her gynecologist for evaluation of a dark freckle that was bleeding in her genital area. She thought it bled only when she shaved in the area.
Sam, 35, had a dark discoloration on his right great toenail that didn’t go away after six months. He thought he injured his toenail while surfing but could not remember.
After both patients were concerned and made an appointment with the dermatologist they were diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
May is Melanoma Awareness Month.
During the past 10 years, the World Health Organization states the annual cases of melanoma have increased by nearly 50%, which is the equivalent to more than 60,000 melanoma-related deaths per year.
“Spending time outdoors not only allows you to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty. It can improve your overall health and wellness," said Maria Stahl, DNP, RN, Health officer for Florida Department of Health in Brevard County. "We are incredibly fortunate to live in the Sunshine State, but we should all use sun protection like broad spectrum sunscreen, hats and sunglasses whenever we are outside in order to reduce our risk of skin cancer or melanoma. Make sure you are protecting yourself, receive yearly skin screening, and report any changes in your skin to your healthcare provider.”
Susan's previous three columns:
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Everyone should be seen at least annually for the early detection of skin cancers. If a recent history of skin cancer, then some patients are seen more frequently.
For the skin exam, make sure not to wear make-up, hair spray or nail polish.
A thorough exam can’t be performed if areas are covered. Skin cancers can be hidden underneath make-up or if too much hair-spray or gel, the scalp can’t be examined properly.
Unfortunately, with our busy lives a lot of people dismiss a non-healing spot and hope that it will go away. Many patients will try different home-remedies or other things they saw on the internet.
Sometimes, it’s too late by the time they see the dermatologist.
Different signs and symptoms that a spot may be abnormal are if it itches, grows, bleeds or changes colors.
After the lesion is biopsied, if the results come back as a malignant melanoma, many wonder immediately, "what is the next step?"
Most people’s minds become overloaded with worry and questions after receiving the diagnosis of melanoma.
First, you need to get a support system of friends and family that will offer emotional and physical support.
Second, make sure to educate yourself on your diagnosis and the treatment options. Ask your healthcare provider for your pathology report, which will give you the exact diagnosis and stage of the melanoma.
After finding out the details of the diagnosis, inquire about the risks and benefits of the treatment options.
For example, will surgery successfully remove the tumor or will lymph nodes need to be sampled, evaluated and dissected?
Or is Immunotherapy a treatment option that can also be referred as biologic therapy. This type of treatment stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells.
No matter what treatment you decide to go with, make sure to keep a notebook with you and write down your questions. Be sure to ask how soon you need to decide on the treatment plan and if there is a clinical trial available.
There are different depths/stages of melanoma. The term melanoma in-situ refers to the lesion as being confined to the epidermis, which is the upper layer of skin.
More aggressive melanoma that has spread to lymph nodes or the lungs, liver, brain or bone can be referred to as Stage IV melanoma, which can have a poor prognosis.
In conclusion, melanoma is a difficult diagnosis to receive. Remember to be proactive and get an annual skin check at the dermatologist, be educated with the different signs and symptoms of skin cancers, and be informed with your diagnosis of melanoma so the best decisions about how to treat the skin cancer is made.
Make sure to have an open line of communication with your healthcare provider, who will answer questions until you are completely satisfied with and fully understand the answers that are given to you.
It’s important to remember that knowledge is empowering, since a diagnosis of cancer can make people feel powerless.
To learn more, visit these websites:
Susan Hammerling-Hodgers, a Member of the National Psoriasis Foundation, is a PA-C (Certified Physician Assistant) and MPAS (Master of Physician Assistant Studies) and works at Brevard Skin and Cancer at the Merritt Island, Titusville and Rockledge offices.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Is that dark spot on my skin melanoma? Go see a dermatologist now
