Live Well 8: Moles
By: Meghan Backus
Updated: May 10, 2010
Janet Schmidt's dermatologist found it during a routine checkup. "I saw the spot on my arm but I didn't think anything of it. It just looked like another age spot to me." That "spot" turned out to be a melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer. "I was a little scared because melanoma can be very dangerous but I had faith in him (the doctor)."
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brett Shulman says, "The most important thing with melonomas is to catch them early. If they're caught early, they can be removed surgically and cures are high."
To catch it early, Dr. Shulman says to be on the lookout on a monthly basis. Specifically, he says to watch out for new moles or moles that have changed. He says they "can" be, but aren't always, a sign of cancer. "If you see a mole changing in size, shape, color texture or bleeding one should go to the dermatologist."
Dr. Shulman says there are ways to protect your skin from melanoma. He recommends wearing sunscreen and reapplying it every two to four hours. "We know the use of sunscreen is probably the single best favor people can do to try to prevent skin cancer and wrinkles."
Janet says she's doing fine now. Dr. Shulman removed the melanoma and further tests for cancer have been negative. But Janet is more aware of her skin health. "I look at every spot that I see and 'gee is it different than it should be?"
Dr. Shulman says you should be more aware too. Your skin isn't something to ignore.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brett Shulman says, "The most important thing with melonomas is to catch them early. If they're caught early, they can be removed surgically and cures are high."
To catch it early, Dr. Shulman says to be on the lookout on a monthly basis. Specifically, he says to watch out for new moles or moles that have changed. He says they "can" be, but aren't always, a sign of cancer. "If you see a mole changing in size, shape, color texture or bleeding one should go to the dermatologist."
Dr. Shulman says there are ways to protect your skin from melanoma. He recommends wearing sunscreen and reapplying it every two to four hours. "We know the use of sunscreen is probably the single best favor people can do to try to prevent skin cancer and wrinkles."
Janet says she's doing fine now. Dr. Shulman removed the melanoma and further tests for cancer have been negative. But Janet is more aware of her skin health. "I look at every spot that I see and 'gee is it different than it should be?"
Dr. Shulman says you should be more aware too. Your skin isn't something to ignore.
