If You Don't Look, You Will Miss It.

The incidence of malignant melanoma continues to increase in every decade. Everyone knows how serious and dangerous a melanoma can be, but if detected early, the chances of having it spread are dramatically reduced. Half of melanomas are first identified by patients themselves – individuals who perform a self-skin exam present with melanomas that are 50% less advanced than other patients. Self-skin exams can reduce the risk for mortality related to melanoma by as much as 63%. 

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an annual full body exam to allow early detection and treatment. An important part of prevention is for each person to keep track of their own moles and watch for the appearance of any of the ABCDE danger signs: A) asymmetry, B) irregular border, C) irregular color, D) increase in diameter and E) evolution of continual changes in the mole. 

One innovative way to track your moles is to map them. A Body Mole Map, produced by the American Academy of Dermatology, can be downloaded here. 

Remember: if you discover that your moles have changed, make an appointment to see us at the Asarch Center right away. Early detection begins with you. Book your Skin Exam with Dr. Asarch today.