Home Add to Favorite Contact Submit  
           28 March, 2024


    
Category:  Press » Home & Family

 

Dermatologists Warn Myths About Melanoma Could Lead to Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment

Popularity:
         Views: 1800
2007-05-07 07:47:05     
American Academy of Dermatology

When it comes to melanoma -- the most serious form of skin cancer that accounts for more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths -- knowing the facts about its causes and characteristics could save your life. Dermatologists hope that dispelling some common myths about melanoma could help more people understand their risk factors and be more aware of melanomas that don't fit the typical diagnostic mold.

"Despite our ongoing public education efforts on the causes and symptoms of melanoma, a number of misconceptions about this potentially deadly disease exist," said dermatologist Diane R. Baker, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy). "These myths could cause some people to think they are not at risk for melanoma because of their skin type or to dismiss warning signs because they are not typical symptoms of the disease."

Myth: All melanomas follow the ABCD rule.

Fact: When the ABCD rule for early melanoma diagnosis was designed more than 20 years ago, it offered a tool for physicians to aid in distinguishing potentially cancerous lesions from benign pigmented moles. The ABCD acronym stands for Asymmetry (meaning one half of the mole is different from the other), Border Irregularity (the edges or borders of melanomas are usually ragged or notched), Color (melanoma often has a variety of hues and colors within the same lesion), and Diameter (most melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm in diameter when diagnosed, although they can be smaller).

However, like all rules, there are bound to be exceptions. Numerous studies show that not all melanomas follow the ABCD rule. One study published in the May 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) examined a specific type of melanoma known as nodular melanoma (NM) that does not fit the ABCD criteria for melanoma diagnosis. NMs commonly occur as symmetric, elevated lesions that are uniform in color and non-pigmented.

"When most people think of melanoma, they often associate a black- or brown-colored lesion or a mole that changes colors," said Dr. Baker. "This study demonstrates that nodular melanomas lack a change in color, with 71 percent of the NM patients participating in the study reporting no noticeable change in color versus 57 percent of patients classified with the more traditional 'superficial spreading melanoma' that noted a color change in their lesions. This is one example where NM patients relied more on the changing nature of their suspicious lesions -- primarily bleeding and catching on clothing -- than the ABCD characteristics."

Another study, published in the December 8, 2004, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, supports the argument that not all melanomas follow the ABCD rule -- noting data which demonstrated the smaller size (less than 6 mm) and the "evolving" nature of some melanomas, including changes in size, shape and symptoms (commonly involving itching, bleeding or tenderness).

Myth: Moles that have hairs are not cancerous.

Fact: Although the vast majority of melanocytic (or pigmented) moles with hairs are benign, a new study published in the March 2007 issue of JAAD references three cases where the presence of one or more hairs in a pigmented lesion proved to be invasive melanoma. The authors of the study stress that a melanoma diagnosis should not be automatically ruled out in cases of pigmented lesions simply because they contain hair, and patients should closely monitor all moles for signs of skin cancer -- regardless of whether or not hair is present.

"As the study investigators mention, one possible explanation as to why this myth originated is that when melanoma was commonly diagnosed in more advanced stages many years ago -- marked by larger and thicker lesions -- it would subsequently destroy the surrounding hair follicles," noted Dr. Baker. "Today, dermatologists are diagnosing melanomas much earlier, when the lesions are thinner and before hair follicles are wiped out. This study clearly illustrates that melanoma can defy the odds in terms of diagnosis and all suspicious lesions should be evaluated without exception."

Myth: People of color don't get skin cancer.

Fact: While Caucasians are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than other races, studies show that African-Americans are more likely to develop the condition on non-sun-exposed areas of the body -- such as the nails, soles of the feet, palms of the hands, mouth, nasal passages and genitals. One study showed that while 90 percent of Caucasian patients develop melanoma on skin that is regularly sun-exposed, only 33 percent of African-American patients developed the condition in these areas.

"The common belief that melanoma and other skin cancers don't affect people of color goes hand-in-hand with the myth that skin cancers only develop in sun-exposed areas," explained Dr. Baker. "In fact, these 'hidden' melanomas are extremely dangerous, because they don't always follow the ABCD rule for melanoma detection, their symptoms can mimic other medical conditions, and they are not easily detected. People of color, like all patients, need to heed the Academy's recommendation to conduct regular skin self-examinations and learn how to spot the warning signs of hidden melanomas."

Experts stress that when diagnosed, melanoma in skin of color patients has often spread to other parts of the body. A study published in the January 2004 issue of JAAD compared the stage of initial melanoma diagnosis of African-American patients versus Caucasian patients and their respective prognoses. Of the 649 patients studied, 32.1 percent of African-American patients were diagnosed with stage III or stage IV melanoma, as compared to only 12.7 percent of Caucasian patients. When melanoma progresses to these advanced stages, it is usually fatal.

"The common thread running through all these myths is that when it comes to melanoma, patients and dermatologists alike need to think outside the box," added Dr. Baker. "Patients need to be vigilant in monitoring their skin for any changes that could signal a problem, and dermatologists play a pivotal role in diagnosing melanoma at its earliest and most treatable stage."

One American dies of melanoma almost every hour (every 65 minutes). In 2007, 8,110 deaths will be attributed to melanoma -- 5,220 men and 2,890 women. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads is 99 percent.

May 7 is Melanoma Monday(R) and the official launch of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month(R). For more information about skin cancer, please visit http://www.skincarephysicians.com and click on "SkinCancerNet."

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org.

Specialized in: American Academy Of Dermatology - Dermatology - Dermatologist - Aad - Skin - Herpes - Dermatitis - Acne - Eczema - Scar - Hair - Nails - Warts - Moles - Tattoo - Spider Veins - Varicose Veins - Birthmarks - Psoriasis - Laser Surgery
URL: http://www.aad.org
Print press release      Bookmark this page
Related Press releases 
ANZZI Introduces New Products to their Bath Hardware Collection (Popularity: ): Miami, Florida ( press.abc-directory.com ) November 29, 2017 - ANZZI, the recognized supplier of a diverse array of home hardware and fixtures, very recently introduced new bath hardware to their collection. The company has brought in four new products including the Madam Series shower glass door, the Ritmo Series squared vessel sink, the Marbled Series ceramic vessel sink, and the Goreme Wall Mounted Teak Shower Seat.A spokesperson stated, "We are ...
ANZZI Introduces a New Range of Freestanding Bathtub Faucets (Popularity: ): Miami, Florida ( press.abc-directory.com ) October 6, 2017 - One of the leading providers of kitchen and bathroom decor, ANZZI offers a comprehensive range of high quality freestanding bathtub faucets crafted with stainless steel and RHINO ALLOY for superior durability. According to the company, these modern bathtub faucets combine the best of form and functionality.A spokesperson explained, "We design our products that inspire everyone, by manufacturing hardware with top notch ...
Fix My Home Launches Its New Website For Home Renovation Services in the GTA and Areas (Popularity: ): Greater Toronto Area—October 14, 2016— Fix My Home, a home of professional and reliable renovation contractors in Peel Region and home renovation contractors in Halton Hills and areas is pleased to announce the launch of its new website. Located at fixmyhomerenovation.com, the new website offers an easy and quick access to essential information and features that offers a more comprehensive understanding about Fix My Home as a company and provider ...
Adore A Door Launches New Website Offering High Quality and Dependable Garage Door Repair in Edmonton (Popularity: ): Edmonton, Alberta -May 19, 2016- Adore A Door, a trusted and reliable provider of high quality and dependable overhead garage door repair in Edmonton and surrounding areas is pleased to announce the launch of its new website located at overheadgaragedoorrepairedmonton.com.Adore A Door is locally owned source for all garage door repairs and overhead garage doors repair Leduc, St Albert, Sherwood Park, Edmonton and nearby areas. And now, with their newly ...
F & S Landscaping Launches New Website for Clients in Texas (Popularity: ): Texas - April 29. 2016- F & S Landscaping, a licensed and trusted company for residential and commercial landscape services in Magnolia, TX announces the launch of a new website, fandslandscaping.net, designed to provide information to property owners in Magnolia, Cypress Tomball and Spring, TX looking for reliable and professional landscape service, irrigation, hardscape and landscape lighting in Tomball, TX and areas.The new website features a user friendly navigation and ...


Related Business 
Melanoma Research Project Network (Popularity: ): Comprehensive information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and skin cancer. Includes decision-finding and self-examination modules, interactive sessions, publications, and links to related sites. [May not support all browsers.]
SunBlitz: Melanoma (Popularity: ): A survivor offers a guide to subjects including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
SkinLesions.net: Diagnosis of Melanoma (Popularity: ): Scientific site which highlights the use of computers in medicine.
HealthCommunities.com (Popularity: ): Offers several channels, from neurology to oncology, that lead our browsers through physician-monitored descriptions of conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, management, and resources.
Knee Pain Diagnosis (Popularity: ): This website guides people in understanding the proper way of diagnosing the causes of knee pain. For knee pain conditions, knee pain diagnosis is the first step in order to find the right treatment for it. You should know that knee pain conditions can be due to various conditions and if left untreated, this may lead to severe knee pain that can disrupt daily activities.
Miles 4 Melanoma (Popularity: ): A cross-country bicycle tour in 2004 to raise funds for The Melanoma Research Foundation, dedicated to George Madzia, who died of this condition in November 2002.
SHADE Foundation.org (Popularity: ): The mission of the Curt and Shonda Schilling Melanoma Foundation is to reduce melanoma through education and sun safety. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
Melanoma Vaccine: Oncophage (Popularity: ): Discussion of melanoma by Antigenics, Inc. in the context of its vaccine therapy trials.
The Parental Intelligence Report on ADHD (Popularity: ): Investigation into ADD/ADHD, its symptoms, diagnosis and medication - articles, statistics, diagnosis, and treatment.
Varicose Vein Treatment Dallas (Popularity: ): At North Dallas Vascular clinic, we specialize exclusively on the expert diagnosis and treatment of vein problems. At our state-of-the-art medical clinic, we are committed to providing expert evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and safe and effective treatments. It is never too late to get your veins treated so you can feel confident showing your legs again!