Melanoma (Skin Cancer) – Information for La Jolla, North County, and All San Diego
Perhaps the best-known, and certainly the most fatal, type of skin cancer, melanoma affects over 600,000 people in the United States alone. The occurrence of melanoma skin cancer is especially concerning in the La Jolla, North County, and all other San Diego areas, as much of Southern Californian culture revolves around activities that take place under the sun. Contact Surgical Associates of La Jolla today and schedule an appointment with our physicians to learn more about and be screened for melanoma.
Melanoma Skin Cancer
Of the three main types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma – melanoma affects the least number of people but leads to the highest number of deaths. Melanoma is more likely than other types of skin cancer to metastasize, sometimes even to the intestines.
Melanoma skin cancer starts to develop in the melanocyte cells, the cells at the deepest layer of the dermis that are responsible for producing melanin, or the pigment responsible for skin color. Though mostly found in the skin, melanocyte cells are also located in the eye and intestines, placing these organs at risk of becoming affected by the cancer as well.
If treated early, oncologists may be able to treat melanoma skin cancer successfully. By scheduling a consultation at our La Jolla practice, San Diego and North County residents can take the first, precautionary step toward protecting themselves from this deadly cancer.
What are the signs of melanoma?
Recognizing the signs of melanoma skin cancer in its earliest stages can increase the chances of successful treatment.
Signs of melanoma typically appear on areas of skin most frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, legs, and back. However, melanoma can also show up on parts of the body that normally are not exposed to sunlight, such as the soles and palms.
The most evident sign of the development of melanoma skin cancer is a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a brand new mole. While most people have dozens of existing moles that signify no health concern, the presence of changing moles and new moles is reason enough to be screened.
Our oncologists believe that the key to discovering these changes is being familiar with one's own body by performing regular self-checks. A thorough self-examination can be performed by actively looking for these signs, also known as the ABCDs of detection:
- Asymmetry: Moles that are affected by melanoma typically show unmatching, uneven halves.
- Border: The borders of most melanoma-affected moles have blurred, irregular borders.
- Color: Moles that reflect the development of melanoma skin cancer are often multi-colored.
- Diameter: Melanoma will cause affected moles to grow to sizes larger than most other moles on the body. These moles can be larger than 6 mm in diameter, but are otherwise unlike most other moles on the individual's body.
Who is at risk for melanoma skin cancer?
A precise, singular cause of melanoma skin cancer has yet to be pinpointed. However, the most common trait among those who develop melanoma is fair skin. People with fair skin have less melanin, or pigment, which means that they have less natural protection from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It should be noted that while people with fair skin have the highest chance of developing melanoma, those with darker complexion are also at risk. People with more moles than is typical – 50 or more – are at a greater risk.
People who have a history of sunburn, as well as those who have a history of excessive sun exposure are also at much higher risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma skin cancer incidence is also higher in areas such as San Diego, as those living in a sunny climate are exposed to much more UV radiation than those in less sunny areas.
Of course, there are many more factors that influence an individual’s risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. Please contact Surgical Associates of La Jolla, located convenient to North County, to learn more about melanoma and to schedule a screening with our oncologists.
How is melanoma treated?
The most effective treatment for melanoma depends on the extent to which the skin cancer has progressed. If melanoma is identified and diagnosed before it has the opportunity to spread beyond the skin, surgery to excise, or remove, the affected tissue can be entirely effective in eliminating the cancer.
Unfortunately, the success rate in treating melanoma after it has spread beyond the skin is much lower. Sentinel lymph node biopsy techniques are used by our surgeons to provide the most accurate and detailed assessment of disease spread. When the skin cancer is caught after it has spread beyond the skin, our oncologists may recommend one or a combination of treatments, depending on the location and severity of the disease. Some possible treatments include:
- Chemotherapy – Although traditional chemotherapy is widely thought to be only moderately effective in treating melanoma skin cancer, the treatment can be used to relieve melanoma symptoms.
- Radiation Therapy – High-intensity X-rays are used to kill cancerous cells and stop them from spreading into other organs.
- Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy, or biological therapy, is used to strengthen the body's immune system so that it can fight the cancer more effectively.
- Surgery – Although melanoma is very difficult to eliminate completely from the body after it has spread beyond the skin, surgery to remove melanomas may help to ease the symptoms.
Contact Our Oncologists
Melanoma skin cancer is an especially relevant concern for residents from La Jolla, North County, and throughout San Diego. Contact Surgical Associates of La Jolla today and schedule a private consultation. Our oncologists are ready to use their expertise to help patients identify, diagnose, and treat melanoma.
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To schedule a time to be screened for melanoma skin cancer, contact Surgical Associates of La Jolla, serving North County and other San Diego areas.
La Jolla Weight Management
Dr. Sunil Bhoyrul
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 730
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 457-4917
Fax: (858) 457-3287
Surgical Associates of La Jolla
Dr. Paul Hyde
Dr. Mark Sherman
Dr. Cheryl Olson
9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 660
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 452-5054
Fax: (858) 452-5097
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