4) Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer. While it can be completely cured when detected early, it can be fatal if not treated. Risk factors for malignant melanoma include: excessive sun exposure, fair skin that burns and freckles, and a family history of melanoma. Melanomas can develop from an existing mole or grow anew. The appearance of melanoma is different from normal moles. While normal moles
have sharp borders and uniform color, melanomas are irregular in color and border (Figure 1-3).

Malignant Melanoma

The ABCDEs can be helpful in identifying a suspicious mole:
A= Asymmetry of shape
B= Border irregularity (scalloped edges or hazy borders)
C= Color variation (multiple shades of brown or red)
D= Diameter greater than 6mm
E= Evolution or change in a mole

A mole that displays these features as shown in Figure 1 and 2 should be evaluated by your dermatologist.

Treatment -- Surgical excision can result in a greater than 95% cure rate when treated early. The recommended width and depth of the excision will depend on the thickness of the melanoma as determined by biopsy. Mohs micrographic surgery is often used to treat lentigo maligna, a type of superficial melanoma that occurs on the face and neck. (Figures 3 and 4) in order to ensure complete removal while preserving normal skin.

Dr. Humphreys has treated many patients with different types of melanoma and performed numerous melanoma surgeries. While surgery is the definitive treatment for malignant melanoma, the value of additional therapies can be discussed with you.