Malignant Melanoma Treatment - Skin CancerCalifornia Cosmetic Surgeon - Jeffrey H. Binstock, M.D. is a San Francisco cosmetic surgeon that excels in the treatment of malignant melanoma skin cancer.

SAN FRANCISCO		MILL VALLEY
22 Battery Street, Suite 905 San Francisco, CA 94111 415.956.8686		535 Miller Avenue Mill Valley, CA 94941 415.383.5475

Malignant Melanoma Treatment

What is Melanoma?

This cancer begins in melanocytes - the skin cells that produce the dark protective pigment called melanin. When you're exposed to sunlight, the melanin in your skin increases to form a protective layer in the form of a suntan. Melanoma consists of melanocytes which have been transformed into cancer cells that grow uncontrollably. Melanoma cells usually still produce melanin, which is why these cancers tend to be mixed shades of tan, brown and black.

Unlike basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin, melanoma has a strong tendency to spread to other parts of the body. Once colonies of melanoma cells reach vital internal organs and grow, they are much more difficult to treat. That is why this is a potentially lethal form of cancer.

While melanoma may suddenly appear in the skin without warning, it may also begin in or near a mole or other dark spot in the skin. That is why it's important to know the size and location of the moles on your body, so you'll recognize any changes that might take place.

Melanoma Cancer Pictures

Warning Signs of Malignant Melanoma

Any one or more of these changes occurring in a new or existing pigmented (tan, brown) area of the skin, or in a mole, may indicate the presence of a malignant melanoma:

Change in size: especially sudden or continuous enlargement.
Change in color: especially multiple shades of tan, brown, dark brown, black; the mixing of red, white and blue; or the spreading of color from the edge into the surrounding skin.
Change in shape: especially the developing of an irregular, notched border, which used to be regular.
Change in elevation: especially the raising of a part of a pigmented area that used to be flat or only slightly elevated.
Change in surface: especially scaliness, erosion, oozing, crusting, ulceration, or bleeding.
Change in surrounding skin: especially redness; swelling; or the developing of colored blemishes next to, but not part of, the pigmented area.
Change in sensation: especially itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
Change in consistency: especially softening or hardening.

Who's at Risk?
In general, the risk of developing malignant melanoma increases as people grow older. In addition, individuals living in the Sun Belt (i.e., closer to the equator) are at greater risk. Caucasians are affected ten times more frequently than Blacks. Beyond these general considerations, several specific factors identify individuals prone to develop this tumor.

People at high risk are those who have:

a family history of malignant melanoma
had a malignant melanoma in the past
unusual-"dysplastic"-moles (often larger than 1/4 inch, irregular in shape, and multi-colored)
fair skin, light hair, and light eye color, and a tendency to sunburn easily and to tan with difficulty
large brown moles at birth
a record of painful or blistering sunburns, especially when young
indoor occupations and outdoor recreational habits
considerable outdoor exposure, especially while living in sunny regions.

Jeffrey H. Binstock, M.D.
SAN FRANCISCO	MILL VALLEY
415.956.8686	415.383.5475

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