How can you tell if the spot on your arm needs medical attention? Spotting the signs of melanoma early on is a crucial part of getting effective treatment. Your dermatologist, Dr. Richard Cirelli of Sunwest Dermatology & Skin Cancer Treatment Center, can help in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma in Prescott and Prescott Valley, AZ.
Signs of Melanoma
Generally, most moles don't pose any risks. Letters A-E of the alphabet can be your guide for the early detection of melanoma in Prescott and Prescott Valley, AZ. Here are some signs of melanoma to look out for:
- Asymmetry - If you draw a line through your mole, you should have two identical halves. However, if you get uneven halves, you may want to show that to your dermatologist.
- Border - The borders of a melanoma mole are more likely to be irregular. Look out for notched or scalloped edges. On the other hand, healthy moles generally have smooth even edges.
- Color - If your mole is a uniform shade, they're likely fine. Melanoma moles may have different shades of tan, brown, pink, or white.
- Diameter - Skin lesions that are larger than a pencil eraser may require further investigation. You may also want to report skin lesions that are significantly darker than the others to your dermatologist.
- Evolving - Familiarizing yourself with how your skin looks will help you spot changes immediately. If you notice your moles changing in size, shape, or color, that's something to note. Report crusting, itching, or bleeding from skin lesions to your doctor.
The Ugly Duckling Sign
This sign looks for skin lesions that appear different from the others on your skin. So, remember to compare your skin lesions with one another. Skin lesions that are different in size, shape, or color are ugly ducklings. Isolated skin lesions may also fall under the category of ugly ducklings.
Identifying melanoma isn't so cut and dry because they all don't look the same. So, examine yourself often including hard-to-reach areas, and report your suspicions to your dermatologist. Call (928) 445-7546 to schedule your screening for melanoma in Prescott and Prescott Valley, AZ, with your dermatologist, Dr. Cirelli of Sunwest Dermatology & Skin Cancer Treatment Center.