| Skin
cancer is now the fastest growing cancer in the UK with malignant
melanoma killing around two thousand people a year. Melanoma
is the second most common cancer in the 20-39 age group.*
Early detection is crucial in its treatment.
Moles
are part of the normal skin and most of us will have at least
one mole. The ones to look out for are new moles, growing
and changing moles. The ABCD rule is a guide to the usual
signs of melanoma.
We
provide a head to toe skin screen check with a consultant
dermatologist. We will tell you if moles are harmless, avoiding
unnecessary procedures but also if further treatment or follow
up is required.
*
European Journal of Cancer 2006, Volume 42, Issue 13, Pages
2170-2182 (September 2006). Skin cancer incidence and survival
in European children and adolescents (1978–1997). Report
from the Automated Childhood Cancer Information System project.
E. de Vriesa, E. Steliarova-Foucherb, A. Spatzc, E. Ardanazd,
A.M.M. Eggermonte, J.W.W. Coeberghaf
ABCD
Rule of Early Detection of Melanoma
A
is for Asymmetry One half of a mole does not match
the other. The two halves of the mole may differ in shape.
B
is for Border The edges of the mole may be irregular,
ragged or blurred, and sometimes show notches.
C
is for Colour The colour is uneven and not the same
all over. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be
seen.
D
is for Diameter Most melanomas are at least 6mm in
diameter or are growing larger.
Find
out more:
The
British Association of dermatologists provides a comprehensive
list of patient information leaflets (www.bad.org.uk): Moles
(Melanocytic naevi)
Link:
http://www.bad.org.uk/public/leaflets/melanocytic.asp
Melanoma
Link:
http://www.bad.org.uk/public/leaflets/melanoma.asp
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