Melanoma

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If you notice a new or changing mole, don’t ignore it. Click the WhatsApp icon above to schedule a consultation or visit a dermatologist immediately. At German Clinic Dubai, we use the Fotofinder Dermatoscope for high-resolution mole mapping and precise skin analysis, ensuring that suspicious moles and lesions are accurately tracked over time. Early detection can save lives—don’t leave it to chance.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a fast-spreading, aggressive skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. Unlike Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), melanoma has a high risk of metastasis, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body quickly if not caught early.

Signs & Symptoms of Melanoma

The ABCDE rule is an essential tool for identifying melanoma early. Look for the following warning signs:

• Asymmetry – One half of the mole does not match the other half.
• Border – Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
• Color – Uneven coloration, including shades of brown, black, red, blue, or white.
• Diameter – Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolution – Any change in size, shape, or color over time.

How Dermatologists Diagnose Melanoma

Our dermatologists use cutting-edge tools to diagnose melanoma at its earliest stage. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Dermoscopy – A magnified skin examination to assess suspicious moles.
• Fotofinder Mole Mapping – High-resolution imaging to track mole changes over time.
• Skin Biopsy – A small tissue sample is taken and analyzed in a laboratory for confirmation.

What Causes Melanoma?

Melanoma is primarily caused by excessive UV exposure, but other risk factors include:

• Intense sun exposure or frequent sunburns, especially during childhood.
• Use of tanning beds, which expose the skin to harmful artificial UV radiation.
• Having multiple moles, particularly atypical or large moles.
• Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes, which provide less natural protection against UV rays.
• Family history of melanoma, increasing genetic susceptibility.
• Weakened immune system, which may reduce the body’s ability to fight off cancerous changes in skin cells.

How is Melanoma Treated?

The choice of treatment depends on the stage and severity of melanoma. Common treatments include:

• Surgical Excision – The primary treatment for early-stage melanoma, removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy skin.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy – Checks if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Immunotherapy – Boosts the immune system to help fight melanoma cells in advanced cases.
• Targeted Therapy – Uses medications designed to attack specific genetic mutations found in melanoma cells.
• Radiation Therapy – Sometimes used for metastatic melanoma or when surgery is not an option.

When to See a Dermatologist

You should schedule an urgent dermatology consultation if you notice:

• A new or changing mole with irregular features.
• A spot that looks different from others on your body (known as the ugly duckling sign).
• A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes painful.
• A dark streak under the fingernail or toenail that doesn’t grow out.
• A lesion that grows rapidly or changes in color.

Preventing Melanoma

Although some melanoma risk factors cannot be changed, taking preventative measures can greatly reduce your chances of developing this aggressive skin cancer:

• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
• Avoid tanning beds, as they emit highly concentrated UV radiation.
• Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
• Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are strongest.
• Perform monthly skin self-exams to detect new or changing moles.
• Schedule annual skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist for professional evaluation.