We provide unparalleled expertise in the prevention, early detection and treatment of Melanoma. Experience the peace of mind that comes from our patient-centric approach to skin cancer. That’s the Arsenault Dermatology difference.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control.
While less common than other types of skin cancers, melanoma is more dangerous because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early.
The vast majority of melanoma cases are due to excess UV exposure, either from sunlight or indoor tanning beds. Genetics can also play a role.
People of all ages and skin types can get melanoma. However, your risk increases if you have:
Spotlight:
Limiting your UV exposure is the most important thing you can do to prevent melanoma. Floridians should:
Prevention is key when it comes to your skin health!
By far, the best approach to Melanoma is to catch it early. Last year at Arsenault Dermatology the majority of diagnosed melanomas were caught in earliest stage.
The key to early detection of melanoma is to be on the lookout for atypical moles.
An atypical mole is visibly and pathologically different than normal moles. They are often variable in color and have irregular borders.
Although these moles are usually friendly, your dermatologist will still monitor them closely for signs of early transition into melanoma.
We partner with our patients to provide education and resources so they know what to look for at home.
All Arsenault Dermatology providers specialize in performing detailed full body skin exams to detect skin cancers as early as possible.
We take the time to perform sequential mole mapping over years. This helps us immediately identify the slightest changes concerning for melanoma.
Spotlight:
When it comes to moles, there are normal moles, malignant moles, and moles in-between. We consider those to be pre-cancerous. The key to preventing melanoma is detecting early changes in pre-cancerous moles.
We believe strongly in mole mapping to detect these changes early. By taking the time to meticulously document the size and shape of atypical moles over time, we create a personalized map we use to make the most accurate clinical decisions about your care.
With sequential mole mapping, we record extremely accurate measurements (within 0.5mm). That’s extremely small! Mole mapping provides us with a baseline from which to identify when and how a mole has changed, so that we can take decisive action as early as possible.
Spotlight:
Dermoscopy saves lives.
We use dermoscopy to closely evaluate your skin. The magnification and lighting provided by this hand-held device allows your dermatologist to differentiate which lesions need to be biopsied. All of our providers at Arsenault Dermatology use this technique to identify skin cancers in their earliest state.
Dermoscopy requires advanced training to use properly. Arsenault Dermatology believes so strongly in this technique, that all of our providers are trained how to use this life-saving technology.
Melanomas often follow the "ABCDE" rule:
We educate all our patients to look for changes in size, shape and color of their pre-existing moles.
With melanomas, early detection is essential. Your dermatologist will perform a full-body skin examination at least once a year or more depending on your underlying risk factors. If your dermatologist suspects melanoma, a small biopsy is performed to help confirm the diagnosis.
In the early stages, melanoma's symptoms are usually limited to visual changes only. During later stages, or once the melanoma has metastasized or spread, patients may experience bleeding, local pain in the skin, tender lymph nodes, fatigue and possibly weight loss.
The majority of melanomas, if caught early, can be cured by surgery alone. Later stages are first treated surgically, and then patients can have good outcomes with the addition of radiation, chemotherapy or newer immunotherapies.
Unfortunately in later stages, melanomas can spread throughout the body including the bones, brain, liver, lungs, lymph nodes and stomach. This is why we put so much energy into early detection.
Schedule your Arsenault Dermatology full-body screening today.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. The number of people who get this cancer is increasing. Being informed is the first step to staying healthy.
The first sign of melanoma is often a mole that changes size, shape or color. Moles that develop color variations or irregular borders are suspicious for melanoma.
We detect melanomas through regular full-body skin exams, using dermoscopy for a closer look. Suspicious lesions are biopsied and the diagnosis is made by microscope.
Yes, in later stages melanoma can spread anywhere in the body including the lungs, liver, brain, bones, GI system and lymph nodes. This is why we focus on early detection to saves lives.
Detected in its earliest and most treatable stage, the average five-year survival rate for patients is 99%. This number decreases substantially with the regional and distant spread of the cancer.
Around 10% of people with melanoma have a family history of the disease. This can be because of shared genetics or shared lifestyle habits of frequent sun exposure without adequate protection.
While melanomas do grow out of moles, and while most moles are benign, melanoma (by definition) is a cancer. Our skilled providers are highly trained and can tell the difference between "friendly" moles, and those concerning for melanoma.
Early detection and treatment can completely cure melanomas. However, underlying risk factors such as family history and earlier life sun exposure pose an ongoing risk for the development of future melanomas.
The detection and treatment of melanoma is our highest clinical priority. Once a patient receives the diagnosis, they enter into our Melanoma Program designed to prioritize frequent skin checks and early detection.
Skin Cancer Testimonial
If you would like to be seen by the melanoma experts at Arsenault Dermatology for your skin cancer needs, please contact us to experience the Arsenault advantage.
