Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/810147
62 may/june 2017 The risk of melanoma increases as people age. The average age of people at diagnosis is 63. But melanoma is common even among those younger than 30. In fact, it's one of the most common cancers in young adults— especially young women. Its demographic covers the spectrum from boomers to millennials. Melanoma is usually, but not always, a cancer of the skin that begins in melanocytes, which are pigment- producing cells in the skin that synthesize melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While our focus may have been only on suspicious lesions with melanin, melanoma can also be a type of skin cancer in which the cells do not make melanin. This is known as amelanotic melanoma, and these lesions can be pink, red, purple, or normal skin color; therefore, it becomes diffi cult to recognize the lesion as a melanoma. Typically, they have an asymmetrical shape and an irregular, faintly pigmented border. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for the formation of moles, within which melanoma often develops. Melanomas are found most often on the arms and legs of women. Men tend to get more melanomas on their chest, back, abdomen, head, or neck. The palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and nail beds are common areas for dark-skinned people to develop a melanoma. These areas of the body are important checkpoints for your client medical history. If you notice any lesions that appear to be unusual or suspicious, it's important to refer the client to a dermatologist for further evaluation. A, B, C, D, E warning signs of melanoma ASYMMETRY One half of the area does not match the other half. BORDER The edges are uneven or ragged. COLOR The color is not the same all over and may have more than one shade or color present. DIAMETER The size is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). EVOLVING The mole is changing in size, shape, or color. ASYMMETRY One half of the area does not match the other half. BORDER The edges are uneven or ragged. COLOR The color is not the same all over and may have more than EVOLVING The mole is changing in size, shape, or color. DIAMETER The size is larger than 6 6 mm