Exceptional Melanoma Treatment
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is extremely dangerous. Melanoma develops when unrepaired DNA damage the body’s skin cells, usually from UV light. Some melanoma develops from moles, while others resemble moles. Most melanomas are brown or black, but they can also present as skin-colored or pink.
If you or a loved one are experiencing melanoma symptoms, visit your provider as soon as possible in order to rule out skin cancer.
Melanoma Symptoms
You can follow the ABCDE rule when looking out for signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry. This refers to one half of a birthmark or mole that is asymmetrical to the other half.
- Border. This refers to the border of a mole that is ragged or irregular.
- Color. This refers to a mole that has different shades of color, whether black, brown or pink.
- Diameter. This refers to a mole that is larger than ¼ inch across (or the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving. This refers to a mole that changes in size, color or shape.
Other signs to lookout for include sores that don’t heal, redness around a mole, or itchiness or pain surrounding a mole.
What Causes Melanoma?
Common causes of melanoma include:
- UV rays from sunlight or tanning beds
- Gene mutations
- Family history
Diagnosing and Treating Melanoma
If detected early, melanoma can be treated before it quickly spreads to other parts of the body. Treatment for melanoma may be local (concentrated on a certain area), systemic (used throughout the entire body) or both. Surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation are common forms of treatment that are suggested, depending on the stage of melanoma. Meet with an oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to see how you can start treating your melanoma in Williamsport or Wellsboro.
From our two cancer centers in Williamsport and Wellsboro, UPMC provides customized treatment to individuals who have been diagnosed with melanoma.
Information and Appointments
- Wiliamsport: 800-598-4282
- Wellsboro: 570-723-2855
- Coudersport: 814-274-5208
