Moles and Melanoma
A nevus is commonly referred to as a mole or birthmark. By definition these are benign lesions. Moles are specifically melanotic nevus' or lesions with melenin or brown pigmentation. When the nevus begins to proliferate at a uncontrolled rate melanoma is suspected.
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the cells of the skin that produce pigmentation (coloration). It is also called malignant melanoma because it spreads to other areas of the body as it grows beneath the surface of the skin. Melanoma is specific to age range.
Melanoma of the feet and legs are often unnoticed in its earliest stage . Melanoma is most often due to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds. Intense exposure over a short period of time can increase your chance of having melanoma.
Factors increasing your chance of melanoma include fair skin , freckling , blistering with sunburns before the age of 18, numerous moles especially at a young age.
Melanoma can be any color including red and white, brown, blue or black, and can occur in any place.
There are cardinal signs known as the ABCDs of melanoma that are used to diagnose melanoma:
Asymmetry which means one half is different in shape from the other half.
Border irregularity of the periphery often indicates melanoma.
Color is typically a mix of colors or hues or shades instead of a single, solid color.
Diameter of these types of lesions grows larger than 5 millimeters are cause for concern.
It is important to see a foot and ankle surgeon if you notice any of these irregularities right away. Lesions on the bottom of the sole are also uncommon. If you notice an increase in growth size over a short period of time this is also a sign of concern.
Prevention is the key. Use of sunscreen , appropriate socks and shoe gear, limiting your exposure to intense UV radiation and having an annual physical examination are helpful in the prevention and early detection of melanoma.
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the cells of the skin that produce pigmentation (coloration). It is also called malignant melanoma because it spreads to other areas of the body as it grows beneath the surface of the skin. Melanoma is specific to age range.
Melanoma of the feet and legs are often unnoticed in its earliest stage . Melanoma is most often due to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds. Intense exposure over a short period of time can increase your chance of having melanoma.
Factors increasing your chance of melanoma include fair skin , freckling , blistering with sunburns before the age of 18, numerous moles especially at a young age.
Melanoma can be any color including red and white, brown, blue or black, and can occur in any place.
There are cardinal signs known as the ABCDs of melanoma that are used to diagnose melanoma:
Asymmetry which means one half is different in shape from the other half.
Border irregularity of the periphery often indicates melanoma.
Color is typically a mix of colors or hues or shades instead of a single, solid color.
Diameter of these types of lesions grows larger than 5 millimeters are cause for concern.
It is important to see a foot and ankle surgeon if you notice any of these irregularities right away. Lesions on the bottom of the sole are also uncommon. If you notice an increase in growth size over a short period of time this is also a sign of concern.
Prevention is the key. Use of sunscreen , appropriate socks and shoe gear, limiting your exposure to intense UV radiation and having an annual physical examination are helpful in the prevention and early detection of melanoma.