Melanoma in Miami, FL
As the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma requires immediate attention to treat this potentially terminal form of cancer. At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, Jill Waibel, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, performs skin cancer removal on people living in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Kendall, FL, as well as nearby communities, with suspicious marks or moles diagnosed as melanoma.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is the most harmful form of skin cancer. Skin cancers are easily diagnosed and successfully eradicated when caught early; however, when left unchecked, early skin cancers may turn into melanoma. This is very serious as melanoma left untreated can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), which is often fatal.
What Causes Melanoma?
Although it is not very common, melanoma typically develops from a suspicious mole that has not been checked or biopsied. While the exact cause is not known, outside influences play a big role in what turns into melanoma. These influences include the environment, heredity and sun overexposure without sufficient protection.
How is Melanoma Diagnosed?
Melanoma is diagnosed through the excision and biopsy of a suspicious mole or mark on the skin. Patients may also notice a pearly nodule on an area of the body that receives a lot of exposure from the sun, typically the head or neck; however, it may be present anywhere on the body and reveal itself as a rash, eczema or even a scar. It is imperative to seek medical attention from a qualified dermatologist or physician to determine if a suspicious mark is melanoma or another form of skin cancer.
How is Melanoma Treated?
The treatment for melanoma varies based on the severity of the condition and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body. At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, we excise and biopsy the area of concern to diagnose whether it is skin cancer and, more importantly, melanoma. If it is melanoma, we can treat the cancer using one or several methods. Once a melanoma diagnosis is confirmed, it is also very important to seek further medical attention to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
How Do I Prevent Melanoma?
Since melanoma is often the result of leaving suspicious marks or moles unchecked, you can prevent melanoma by having a full body skin exam performed annually. This is especially important if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer. Additionally, you should avoid overexposure to the sun without proper SPF and make sure to have clothing coverage especially to sensitive areas.
Jill Waibel, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in treating melanoma and other skin cancers. If you are concerned about a suspicious mole and want to have it checked, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.
