Patient’s itchy rash leads to diagnosis

Marty didn’t come to see me for a melanoma when she made an appointment at my office. She simply had a rash that was itchy. While performing an examination, I noticed a small “mole” on her back and biopsied it. This tiny little imperfection turned out to be a melanoma (skin cancer). With surgery, regular follow-up visits, and getting rid of her tanning bed, she has been cancer-free for years.

Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment producing cells in the skin. It begins on the surface where it is easy to see and treat. Given time, it grows downward, where it can spread into blood and lymphatic vessels, causing a lifethreatening condition.

It is not certain how all causes of melanoma develop. However, it is clear that excessive sun exposure, especially severe blistering sunburns early in life, can promote this disease. There is also evidence that UV radiation of tanning beds may cause melanoma. Risk for melanoma may also be inherited.

Anyone can get melanoma, but the following factors can help to identify those at most risk:

• Fair skin

• A history of severe sunburns

• Greater than 50 moles

• Atypical moles

• Family history of melanoma

• Excessive tanning, including indoor tanning Regular visits to a dermatologist may help to prevent disease and/or detect it early. Watch for the following signs in moles:

A – Asymmetric, moles with irregular shapes

B – Borders, irregular edges

C – Color, multiple colors within the same mole or a darkening in a mole that was light

D – Diameter, greater than six millimeters

E – Evolving, a mole that is changing

Last, but not least, learn the Top 10 ways to prevent skin cancer according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery:

1. Don’t get burned. Damage from sunburn lasts forever.

2. Cover up your skin with darker colors and tightly woven fabrics.

3. Keep your hat on. A 4-inch brim or greater is best.

4. Shade those pupils. The eyes are not immune to sun damage.

5. Protect your smile with SPF 30 for your lips.

6. Be wary of reflective sunlight on water, sand and concrete.

7. Sunscreen early and often. Reapply your SPF 30 frequently (about every two hours).

8. Avoid peak sun hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Stay out of bed, the tanning bed. 10. Check your moles regularly and see a dermatologist if you note changes.

Dr. Josephine Futrell is a dermatologist and partner at Ark-La-Tex Dermatology which has offices in Bossier City and Shreveport. The clinic is part of the Willis-Knighton Physician Network.