Skin cancer is an extremely common form of cancer and can be fairly aggressive and dangerous. When melanoma is caught at an early stage, it is highly treatable and can usually be easily removed. However, in order to be able to catch melanoma early, you need to know what the early signs of the disease might look like. Dr. Richard Cirelli at SunWest Dermatology and Skin Cancer Treatment Center in Prescott, AZ, can explain what the early signs of melanoma are and what you need to be looking for.
Catching Melanoma Early
Melanoma is a common condition that your dermatologist treats. In order to get the best results possible from treatment, it’s crucial that you catch signs of melanoma as early as possible. Often, melanoma tends to start within a mole. You should stay vigilant about what your moles look like and check for any irregularities that may occur.
In order to spot early signs of melanoma, you need to be inspecting your body on a regular basis. You should also see your dermatologist for yearly checkups and to get an extra set of eyes on areas that you may not be able to see on your own.
Some common irregularities that you should look for in moles include:
- Asymmetry
- Irregular borders
- Multiple colors
- Changes in color
- Large diameter
- Change in appearance
You should be aware of how many moles you have and monitor each one. If you are suspicious of a mole, you should talk to your dermatologist to see if it could be of concern.
Contact Our Dermatologist Today
Make sure that you catch melanoma as early as possible. Contact Dr. Richard Cirelli at SunWest Dermatology and Skin Cancer Treatment Center in Prescott, AZ, to learn more about the early signs of melanoma. Call for more information and to schedule your consultation today at (928) 445-7546.