A melanoma diagnosis, while less common than other skin cancers, is serious. AHN is here to see you through your diagnosis and treatment plan.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, arising from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma develops when melanocytes change and start to grow abnormally. These abnormal cells can then spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Skin Cancer Center of Excellence
The AHN Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence is unlike any other skin cancer center in the area. Our dedicated team of dermatologists, oncologists, oncodermatologists, and medical professionals are all working in tandem to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients.
With a team of expert providers and state-of-the-art technology, we’re able to provide comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnostic services, and specialized care for high-risk patients all in one setting to ensure consistent and thorough care.
Why choose AHN for melanoma treatment?
At the AHN Cancer Institute, you’re never alone. You will find treatment that is:
- Personalized: Our skilled team of dermatologists, oncologists, pathologists, and surgeons work in tandem to offer the latest targeted, minimally invasive surgeries or therapies pinpointed to treat the type of skin cancer you have.
- Patient-centric: Our Navigation Team helps coordinate appointments, answers questions about symptoms and treatment options, and provides logistical support if you need to travel. We help lift the burden of logistics so you can focus on getting better.
- Compassionate: Cancer treatment is a stressful time. Our compassionate team of caregivers is devoted to improving your quality of life, helping you understand treatment options, and keeping you comfortable every step of the way. Our robust support services help bridge some of the gaps that can happen during treatment.
- Collaborative: Your treatment team works together to provide what’s right for you — whether it’s surgery, medical oncology, or radiation therapy.
Quick guide to melanoma
Melanoma symptoms and signs
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can be tricky to spot, but early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Doing regular skin checks and having regular preventive care can be a way to spot changes before they become concerning.
Here are some key symptoms to look for when doing skin checks—specifically when looking at changes in moles. You can remember the categories using acronym ABCDE:
- A — Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
- B — Border: The edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.
- C — Color: The color is uneven, with shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
- D — Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E — Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Other warning signs or concerning symptoms:
- New moles: Any new mole that appears after the age of 30 should be checked by a dermatologist.
- Itching, tenderness, or pain: These symptoms can indicate that a mole is changing or becoming cancerous.
- Bleeding or scabbing: A mole that bleeds or scabs without a clear reason should be examined.
- Unusual texture: A mole that feels rough, firm, or bumpy may be a sign of melanoma.
Melanoma risk factors
Melanoma can spread rapidly. Often, patients with melanoma have many moles and might have a family history of melanoma. Using risk factors and our expertise, we specialize in monitoring high-risk patients to find and detect melanoma early when it’s more easily treated.
If we suspect melanoma, we will perform a biopsy of the affected area. Your care team, made up of highly trained pathologists, oncologists, and dermatologists work to quickly and accurately diagnose suspected melanoma.
Melanoma screening and diagnosis
Early cancer detection saves lives. We offer monthly cancer screenings across Pennsylvania so you can find resources when and where you need. Melanoma is more aggressive, so early detection is essential.
A physical exam
A physician, often a dermatologist, examines your skin to look for suspicious growths. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas tend to look red and flaky. Melanomas are often larger and multi-colored.
While it usually arises on sun-exposed areas, melanoma can present on any part of the skin or body, like under your nail. This is called subungual melanoma. This is a serious type of skin cancer that develops under your nail. It most commonly appears as dark brown or black streaks on your nail. While much less common, acral melanoma is another subtype that affects those with darker skin tones and presents on the skin of palms or soles of the feet.
Talking with your doctor about your risk factors and any new symptoms is critical for detecting the types of melanoma that are found on the skin, eyes, or in mucous membranes.
Mole mapping
This procedure uses full-body photographs of your skin to monitor changes in existing moles and to detect new ones. Physicians use this cutting-edge preventive measure at your annual skin exam. It’s especially helpful for tracking moles for high-risk individuals, such as those with a family history of melanoma.
Biopsy
A small tissue sample is collected to be examined by pathologist who specializes in dermatology. A biopsy can determine if cancer is present. During a biopsy, an anesthetic is given so the sample can be collected comfortably.
Biopsy procedures include:
- Shave biopsy, using a tool similar to a razor
- Punch biopsy, using a circular tool that removes a small section of skin
- Excisional biopsy, using a scalpel to remove an entire lump
Sentinel lymph node mapping
Sentinel lymph node mapping is a surgical technique used to determine if cancer has spread from the primary tumor to nearby lymph nodes.
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