Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. It requires regular skin checks to look for changes in existing moles.
Protect your skin through early detection and expert care.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, but when it is detected early, it is highly treatable. Knowing what to look for — and scheduling an evaluation when you notice a changing or unusual spot — can make a significant difference.
Dr. Johnson, a board-certified dermatologist, provides comprehensive skin cancer evaluations for patients of all ages at Steele Dermatology. Supported by her experienced dermatology team, she carefully evaluates new, changing, or concerning moles and skin lesions to determine whether additional testing or treatment is needed. Every examination is thorough, every recommendation is individualized, and every patient receives thoughtful, compassionate care.
Understand melanoma and skin cancer
There are three major types of skin cancer — melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. It has the potential to spread through the lymph nodes or the bloodstream to become metastatic. Metastatic melanoma can spread to the bone, lungs, and brain.
Melanoma typically starts as what looks like a mole gone bad. It looks like a mole, except it is bigger, a different color (lighter or darker), more asymmetrical, or more irregular in shape.
Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment responsible for skin color. While melanoma is less common than other forms of skin cancer, it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if it is not diagnosed and treated early.
Melanoma can develop on healthy skin or within an existing mole. It may appear anywhere on the body, including areas that receive little sun exposure, and affects people of all skin tones.
Although anyone can develop melanoma, routine skin examinations and prompt evaluation of suspicious lesions offer the best opportunity for early diagnosis.
Melanoma treatment, at a glance
If melanoma is diagnosed, treatment depends on several factors, including the depth of the melanoma, its location, and whether it has spread beyond the skin.
Throughout every step of the process, Dr. Johnson works closely with patients to explain findings, discuss treatment recommendations, and answer questions with clarity and compassion. Your care plan will be based on your individual diagnosis and may include:
Surgical Removal
Many melanomas are treated by surgically removing the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue.
Additional Evaluation
Depending on the stage of the melanoma, additional testing or referral to other specialists may be recommended as part of your care.
Ongoing Skin Surveillance
Patients who have had melanoma remain at increased risk for developing another melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. Regular follow-up skin examinations are an important part of long-term care.
Melanoma FAQs
Many melanomas are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage , either from the sun or from tanning beds. UV radiation may cause damage to BRAF or CDKN2A genes. The more UV exposure that you’ve had, the greater your risk.
Other risk factors include atypical (otherwise known as dysplastic) moles. Having many atypical/dysplastic moles is somewhat genetic, although UV radiation is also a risk factor for them. Dysplastic moles are generally oddly shaped, larger than typical moles, and even different colors. Microscopically though, they are not melanoma. If you have many atypical/dysplastic moles, they should be regularly monitored by a board-certified dermatologist. You are at higher risk for getting melanoma in an existing atypical/dysplastic mole or in a newly occurring lesion.
Lastly, there are some inherited genetic mutations: CDKN2A and MC1R. If you have multiple family members with melanoma, family members with multiple melanomas or family members who have gotten melanoma at a young age, then it is worth exploring the possibility you could have these mutations.
Since some melanomas are caused by UV radiation from the sun, sun-exposed areas are at greater risk. This includes the face, neck, chest, back, arms and legs.
Because there are other risk factors (such as spontaneous genetic mutations and familial genetic mutations), melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin, including areas that rarely or never see the sun.
That’s why it’s so important to see a board-certified dermatologist for skin cancer screenings at least once a year. Also, keep your other physicians and hairstylists in the loop and ask them to help you monitor your skin. Hairstylists see your scalp often and can let you know if there’s something new that you can’t see. It’s the same with chiropractors, massage therapists, pedicurists, and spouses/partners. Ask everyone to help monitor things for you, especially in areas that you can’t see.
Several factors may increase your risk of developing melanoma, including:
- A personal or family history of melanoma
- Frequent sun exposure or a history of sunburns
- Indoor tanning
- Fair skin, light-colored eyes, or light hair
- Having many moles or atypical moles
- A weakened immune system
- Increasing age, although melanoma can occur at any age
Even patients without obvious risk factors can develop melanoma, making routine skin evaluations an important part of preventive care.
When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. This is why regular skin examinations and prompt evaluation of changing moles are so important.
Melanoma often appears as a changing mole or a new dark spot with irregular borders, multiple colors, or an unusual appearance. Not every melanoma follows the same pattern, which is why any changing lesion should be evaluated. (See the ABCDE section on this page.)
Yes. Melanoma may develop on previously normal skin as well as within an existing mole.
The appropriate schedule depends on your personal risk factors. Dr. Johnson can recommend a screening schedule based on your medical history, skin type, and family history.
Although not every melanoma can be prevented, protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) exposure, avoiding indoor tanning, performing regular self-examinations, and scheduling routine skin checks can reduce your risk and improve early detection.
Early diagnosis begins with a careful skin examination.
During your appointment, Dr. Johnson will examine the lesion and review your medical history, family history, and any recent changes you’ve observed. If a mole or lesion appears suspicious, a skin biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Many biopsies do not result in a melanoma diagnosis. However, evaluating concerning lesions promptly helps ensure that skin cancer is identified as early as possible when treatment is often most effective.
How to recognize a suspicious mole: Follow the ABCDEs
One of the most helpful ways to recognize a suspicious mole is the ABCDE guide:
A – Asymmetry
One half of the mole does not match the other.
B – Border
The edges appear irregular, blurred, or uneven.
C – Color
The lesion contains multiple shades of brown, black, tan, red, blue, or white.
D – Diameter
The spot is larger than approximately 6 millimeters, although melanomas may also be smaller.
E – Evolving
The mole changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.
You should also schedule an appointment if you notice a spot that simply looks different from the others or continues to change over time.
Schedule a skin check at Steele
Whether you’ve noticed a changing mole or simply want the reassurance of a professional skin examination, Steele Dermatology is here to help.
Dr. Johnson and her experienced dermatology team provide comprehensive skin cancer evaluations in a comfortable, patient-centered environment. Schedule an appointment at our Buckhead or Alpharetta office to protect your skin through expert care and early detection.
Request an appointment
Schedule online, call (770) 464-6000 or text us, and one of our specialists will assist you.
