I explain to my patients the ABCD's of melanoma. These are all characteristics and traits that are not desirable, and a biopsy is usually required. That is A-for asymmetry of moles, B-for irregular borders, C-for multiple colors within the mole, and D-for large diameter, usually greater than six millimeters. Periodic self-examination is the best weapon against melanoma or skin cancers. Many patients look for changing moles on themselves and their partner, thereby aiding in the diagnosis process. Should skin cancer or melanomas develop they are almost curable if caught in the early stages.

I calmly explain to my patients that even though it is the middle of winter, we cannot forget to take care of our skin, or unusual growths that we notice. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual skin cancer examinations for all adults, and children with several moles and significant history of sun damage.

Excessive sun exposure, particularly sunburn, is the most important preventable cause of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinomas and squamos cell carcinomas. Heredity also plays a part, since a person has an increased chance of develoing non-melanoma skin cancer and melanomas. If a family member has had melanoma, atypical moles (dysplastic nevi), or a high number om moles, these can serve as markers for people at high risk for developing melanoma.

Dark skinned people can develope melanomas for dark brown or black skin is not a guarantee against melanomas. Melanomas may develop in darker complexions on the palsms of hands, the soles of feet, under nails, in the mouth or on the genitals.

Warning signs of melanomas include changes on the surface of the mole, scaliness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a new bump. Other signs include the spread of pigment from the border into the surrounding skin and a change in sensation including tenderness, itching and pain.