Melanoma Cancer Screening

Risk Factors

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, including melanoma:

UV Radiation / Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure or use of tanning beds significantly increases melanoma risk, particularly for individuals with fair skin or red or blond hair. Sunburns during childhood or adolescence are especially dangerous and are a major environmental risk factor.

Genetics / Family History

A family history of melanoma, familial syndrome, or personal history of malignant skin lesions increases risk. Certain inherited conditions, like basal cell nevus syndrome, also predispose individuals to melanoma.

Other Melanoma Risk Factors

Additional factors include numerous abnormal moles, precancerous lesions, cutaneous melanoma, and compromised immune function.

Understanding your melanoma risk factors can guide clinicians in identifying pigmented lesions that require closer evaluation.

Types of Melanoma

Melanoma can develop in various forms, each with unique characteristics and progression patterns:

Superficial Spreading Melanoma: This is the most common type of melanoma, accounting for the majority of cases. It often begins as a flat or slightly raised discolored patch that may contain multiple shades of brown, black, or even pink. It tends to spread outward across the skin’s surface before penetrating deeper layers, which makes early detection critical.

Nodular Melanoma: Known for its aggressive growth, nodular melanoma develops as a firm, dome-shaped bump that is often dark black or blue in color. Unlike other forms, it tends to grow quickly in depth rather than spreading across the skin, making it more likely to bleed or ulcerate. Because of its rapid progression, it is often diagnosed at a later stage.

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: This type usually affects older adults, particularly those with a history of long-term sun exposure. It starts as a slowly enlarging flat patch that often appears on the face, ears, or arms. Although it develops over many years, once it invades deeper layers of the skin, it can become dangerous and requires prompt treatment.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: Less common but important to recognize, acral lentiginous melanoma appears on the palms, soles of the feet, or under the nails. It is more frequently seen in people with darker skin tones. Because it often occurs in less visible areas, it is sometimes diagnosed later, which can increase the risk of progression.

Each of these forms can be evaluated for tumor thickness to guide treatment. In many cases, surgical excision is recommended to remove the lesion along with some surrounding normal tissue. 

For certain cases, particularly those at higher risk of spread, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be performed to check whether cancer cells have moved beyond the primary tumor.

How is Melanoma Cancer Screening Done?

A melanoma screening is a simple, non-invasive process designed to carefully check your skin for signs of skin cancer. During the visit, Dr. Nikko and our providers perform a thorough evaluation, looking for any suspicious lesions or abnormal moles that may require closer examination. The goal is to detect skin cancer in its earliest and most treatable stage.

The screening process generally involves:

1. Medical History Review
   Discussion of your personal or family history of melanoma, prior sunburns, tanning bed use, and other melanoma risk factors.

2. Full-Body Visual Skin Examination
   A head-to-toe check, including scalp, palms, soles, nails, and other hidden areas where cutaneous melanoma or other skin cancers can develop.

3. Use of Dermatoscope
   A special magnifying tool allows the dermatologist to view pigmented lesions more clearly and identify features of suspected melanoma.

4. Digital Imaging & Tracking
   Advanced imaging may be used to capture and monitor skin growths over time, helping to identify changes that indicate developing melanoma.

5. Skin Biopsy (if needed)
   If the clinician identifies pigmented lesions that appear worrisome, a quick skin biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small sample of the primary tumor or lesion (along with some surrounding normal tissue) for testing.

6. Further Evaluation
   In cases of localized stage disease or when a melanoma is confirmed, additional testing, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy, may be recommended to determine whether cancer cells have spread.

Potential Complications of Untreated Melanoma

Melanoma can progress quickly if left untreated. In many cases, it spreads to the lymph nodes and other organs, leading to advanced melanoma. As the tumor thickness increases, survival rates can decline significantly.

Patients may also require more complex treatment options, including radiation therapy or photodynamic therapy. Routine screening for skin cancer is the most effective way to reduce these risks and support long-term skin cancer prevention.

PREVENTION AND AFTERCARE

• Use sunscreen daily to limit most sun exposure.

• Avoid tanning beds.

• Watch for skin changes and new skin growth.

• Schedule annual skin cancer screening exams.

• Work with your health care provider to manage treatment follow-ups.

Takeaway

Melanoma skin cancer is preventable and highly treatable with early detection. Routine melanoma cancer screening is essential for maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Schedule a screening with our team of providers to protect your skin and catch developing melanoma early.