Melanoma Skin Cancer
Every person is at some degree of risk for melanoma. However, this risk depends on various factors such as the number of moles on the skin, sun exposure, genetics, and skin type.
The initial step in the treatment is the excision of the primary melanoma tumor. This typically involves surgical removal or cutting it out.
There are four basic categories of melanoma. Three of these categories initiate in situ which means that they are restricted to only the uppermost skin layers.
At times, they become invasive. The fourth category comprises tumors that are invasive from the outset. Invasive melanomas are more threatening because they have gone deeper into the skin and may have spread to other body parts.
Successful board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner), who both treat general derm patients, provide skin care treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities and towns in this area of America.
Superficial Spreading Melanoma
In general, this is the most common melanoma type seen in around 70 percent of all cases, and most frequently found in young people. This melanoma develops along the top skin layer for a period prior to penetrating the deeper skin layers.
The initial symptom is the appearance of a flat or slightly elevated discolored patch that has uneven borders and is asymmetrical. It may appear brown, red, tan, black, blue, or white.
This melanoma may develop in a mole that was previously normal or may develop into a new lesion. While it can occur in any area of the body, it usually develops on the legs in women, the trunk in men, and the upper back in both.
Lentigo Maligna
This melanoma is similar to the superficial spreading type because it also stays restricted to the skin surface for some time. It typically appears as a flat or slightly raised mottled patch which can be brown or dark brown in color.
It typically affects older people on compromised, sun-exposed skin on the ears, face, upper trunk, or arms. Lentigo maligna is the most commonly occurring type of melanoma in Hawaii. Upon becoming invasive, this cancer is called lentigo maligna melanoma.
Acral Lentiginous
Acral Lentiginous spreads superficially as well before penetrating the skin more deeply. However, it is distinct from other types as it typically develops as brown or black patches beneath the nails or on the palms of the hands or on the soles of the feet.
At times, it is detected in people with darker skin and tends to advance more frequently than lentigo maligna or superficial spreading melanoma as it is diagnosed later. It is least common in Caucasians and is the most frequently occurring melanoma in Asians and African-Americans.
Nodular Melanoma
Nodular Melanoma is typically invasive when it is initially diagnosed. It is recognized as cancerous when it develops into a bump. In general, it appears black but may also sometimes be gray, brown, gray, blue, white, red, tan, or skin colored.
It usually manifests in the legs, trunk, and arms of mostly older people and on the scalp in men. This is the most aggressive form of melanoma and is detected in 10 to 15 percent of cases.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for various skin treatments.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)
Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.