Melanoma Symptoms and Appearance
Melanoma develops in the cells that gives your skin its color. Melanoma can evolve from a normal mole or show up as a new spot. Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer and can change or grow rapidly. If it is not treated early it will spread to other areas of the body, including other organs. Melanoma does not always have associated symptoms, it may not be itchy or painful at all.
If you have any abnormal moles that are asymmetrical, irregular, are changing colors, growing or spreading, call our Meridian dermatology office right away at 208-898-7467! We will conduct a thorough examination to catch the cancer as early as possible. If we suspect melanoma, we will conduct a skin biopsy by removing all or part of the abnormal mole and sending it to a lab to be analyzed.
If you have any abnormal moles that are asymmetrical, irregular, are changing colors, growing or spreading, call our Meridian dermatology office right away at 208-898-7467! We will conduct a thorough examination to catch the cancer as early as possible. If we suspect melanoma, we will conduct a skin biopsy by removing all or part of the abnormal mole and sending it to a lab to be analyzed.
Malignant Melanoma Treatment in Meridian
A small percentage of skin cancer is diagnosed as malignant melanoma, however it is responsible for a relatively higher percentage of skin cancer related deaths. Even though it is the most dangerous skin cancer, if found early survival rates are close to 99%. Melanomas are found on areas of the skin with high sun exposure, but can still occur on the genitals, buttock, mouth, feet, and other areas of the body not exposed to chronic sun. Our dermatology team located in Meridian, ID, is dedicated to treating you with compassionate and detailed care.
If caught early, treatment for melanoma usually consists of surgery. This includes excision or a technique called ‘slow mohs’. If caught later, treatment may include sentinel lymph node biopsy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Types of Melanoma
Superficial spreading melanoma – mostly found on torso of men and legs in women
Nodular melanoma – found on legs and torso, grows rapidly
Lentigo maligna melanoma – usually on the head, neck and arms on sun damaged skin
Acral lentiginous melanoma – found on palms, soles, nails. More common in African, Hispanic, Asian descent
Amelanotic melanoma – often not pigmented and may manifest as an ulcerated nodule.
Risk Factors
If you observe any new or changing growths on your skin call Mountain Pine Dermatology at 208-898-7467 right away. Serving Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Meridian, and all surrounding areas, our team is committed to treating our patients with personalized, compassionate care.
If caught early, treatment for melanoma usually consists of surgery. This includes excision or a technique called ‘slow mohs’. If caught later, treatment may include sentinel lymph node biopsy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Types of Melanoma
Superficial spreading melanoma – mostly found on torso of men and legs in women
Nodular melanoma – found on legs and torso, grows rapidly
Lentigo maligna melanoma – usually on the head, neck and arms on sun damaged skin
Acral lentiginous melanoma – found on palms, soles, nails. More common in African, Hispanic, Asian descent
Amelanotic melanoma – often not pigmented and may manifest as an ulcerated nodule.
Risk Factors
- Fair skinned people are at greatest risk.
- The more moles on your body, the higher the risk.
- Family history of melanoma.
- Personal history – if you have had it once, the likelihood of it recurring goes up.
- Past sun exposure – the more sun exposure as a youth, the higher the risk.
- Atypical moles
If you observe any new or changing growths on your skin call Mountain Pine Dermatology at 208-898-7467 right away. Serving Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Meridian, and all surrounding areas, our team is committed to treating our patients with personalized, compassionate care.
Customer Reviews
“By far one of the best medical experiences I have ever had. Dr. Thomas is kind, compassionate and caring. He takes time to hear my concerns and addresses them thoroughly. I would highly recommend him for all your Dermatology needs."
– Lola Z.
– Lola Z.
Call us at 208-898-7467
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