Melanoma

Melanoma accounts for 5% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States each year. If you have melanoma symptoms like bleeding moles or odd-looking skin growths, you can schedule diagnostic testing at Mountaintop Dermatology. In addition to physical exams, Frank Samarin, MD, offers in-office skin biopsies to confirm cancer. Dr. Samarin designs a care plan to destroy cancer cells using advanced treatments like surgery and radiation. He also provides resources you can use to stop melanomas from forming. Call the Colorado Springs, Colorado, office today to schedule a melanoma evaluation or book a consultation online.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells that contain pigments (melanin) that give skin its color.

The exact cause of melanoma isn’t clear, but ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun plays a role in its development. Most often, melanoma starts on the areas of skin like your face, legs, and arms that are exposed to the sun but can also form on any part of the body, including in between the toes and in the nail beds. 

Mountaintop Dermatology specializes in diagnosing and treatment of melanoma in adults and children.

Dr. Samarin uses the latest treatments to prevent complications and prevent  cancer from spreading. He also offers educational resources to protect yourself from skin cancer.

What are the symptoms of melanoma?

Warning signs of melanoma can include changes in existing moles, which are clusters of pigmented cells that are brown, tan, or black. Cancerous moles may bleed, appear irregular in shape, grow large, or become itchy or painful.

In addition to moles, melanoma can appear as abnormal-looking, pigmented growths anywhere on your skin.

Regular skin checks at home and in the Mountaintop Dermatology office help identify melanoma symptoms in the earliest stages.

If you have melanoma symptoms, Dr. Samarin physically examines the abnormal growth and may remove a skin sample for further testing to confirm or rule out skin cancer.

How is melanoma treated?

Your initial treatment for melanoma typically involves surgery to remove cancerous tissue. If the melanoma is small, Dr. Samarin may be able to remove it during your diagnostic biopsy.

Larger or deeper melanomas require more invasive surgery to eliminate cancerous tissue and some of the healthy tissue nearby. You might also need chemotherapy or radiation to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

In some cases, immunotherapy may be appropriate. This treatment uses medications that help your immune system fight off cancer cells more efficiently.

Dr. Samarin discusses your options for melanoma treatment during your consultation. He also provides after-care services to keep your skin healthy and prevent new cancer from forming.

Call Mountaintop Dermatology today to schedule a melanoma consultation, or book an appointment using the online feature.