A very interesting study was reported this week in the latest issue of Archives of Dermatology. The study examined just who was noticing the signs of melanoma. A lot of people don’t think about it until they notice something odd on their skin, then they decide to go and get it checked out. However, this study found that over 56% of melanomas were actually not noticed by patients, but instead found by dermatologists.
The study examined 126 patients with melanoma who were treated at a private dermatology practice between July 2005 and October 2008. 75 of the cases of melanoma were considered to be in early stage, while 51 were considered to be advanced. The study found that in 56.3% of the cases, the melanoma was discovered by the doctor.
They found that the melanomas detected by the doctors were thinner and often found on only the outer layer of the skin. The ones discovered by the doctors were also found to be 5 times more likely to measure less than 1 millimeter.
What these numbers show is just how important going and getting a full skin cancer screening is. A dermatologist isn’t someone to just go and see when you’ve noticed something odd. If you take this attitude your not going to catch melanomas in their early stage when they are the most treatable.
Remember that melanoma is a killer. While only accounting for 4% of skin cancer cases, melanoma is responsible for 79% of the deaths associated with skin cancer. Self examinations are good, and something that should be done in conjunction with semi-regular trips for a full screening. If you notice something odd, immediately schedule an appointment, but if you haven’t noticed anything in a year schedule an appointment as well. Early detection is the key. God forbid something does happen, catching it early very well could save your life.
You and your dermatologist, working together, is a winning team.
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