Melanoma

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1. What is Melanoma?
2. What Causes Melanoma?
3. Melanoma Symptoms
4. VIEW DR. DAMSTETTER’S FAVORITE SUN Protection Products
5. Diagnosing Melanoma
6. Melanoma Treatments
7. What to Expect During Treatment
8. What to Expect After Treatment
9. Schedule an Appointment

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and its incidence is increasing. Like other types of skin cancer, treatment outcomes are overall positive, especially when it can be diagnosed early. For this reason, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of melanoma so you can seek care from a qualified dermatologist like Dr. Damstetter as soon as possible. Patients in Glenview, Illinois who notice signs of skin cancer can turn to Reserve Dermatology for effective treatment options.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that affects the melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, in the skin or other tissues. In cases of melanoma, the melanocytes grow abnormally and uncontrollably. It is the most serious type of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body and, in some cases, is fatal. The earlier developing skin cancer cells are detected, the higher the overall cure rates and survival.

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Liz Damstetter, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Meet the Doctor

What Causes Melanoma?

Melanoma is caused by abnormal growth in the melanocytes. In healthy skin, new cells push older skin cells to the surface, where they die and fall away. When cutaneous melanoma occurs, the melanocytes grow out of control due to damaged DNA, forming a mass of cancer.

Researchers and dermatologists believe that many cases of melanoma are caused by damage from UV rays due to excess sun exposure or indoor tanning beds over time. However, other factors can increase your risk of melanoma. These risk factors include:

• Fair skin
• History of sunburn
• Family history of melanoma
• Living in a sunny climate or at a high elevation
• Having a large number of moles
• Weakened immune system

Anyone can develop melanoma and should be regularly screened for melanoma cells during a skin check.

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“I had a recent visit to Dr Damstetter’s clinic and would like to share my experience. I am a Navy vet(corpsman) and usually get seen at the VA but since we don’t have a Derm provider right now, I was fortunately sent out to her clinic to be evaluated. It’s a nice clinic in a nice area and was relatively easy to find. A pleasant Ms. Nancy at the front desk was helpful in completing the check-in process. Easy day. I did not have to wait long and was soon met by Dr. Damstetter’s assistant, who for classified reasons I will refer to as “Agent 8”. I am sure if she gets tired of providing excellent medical care, her slick-ninja skillset could get her a job with the CIA or MI6 maybe. Short story long, Agent 8 brought me back to the patient area, where I was introduced to Dr Damstetter, who was all the things you would want in a doctor: a knowledgeable provider with a great bedside manner. She gave me a thorough exam which did end up showing that I needed a minor procedure. No worries. I felt well taken care of throughout my visit. No one likes to have to see the doctor, but if you have a dermatological concern, this is a good place with good people who did great by me, and I am thankful to have been sent here.”

“Dr. Liz is truly the best dermatologist I’ve ever been to. She is attentive, kind, and genuinely cares about her patients and their overall skin health. I can not recommend her enough!!!”

“Wonderful experience here! The doctor took the time to educate me on a variety of cosmetic options and gave her candid opinion resulting in just the right amount of cosmetic adjustments! Her staff was delightful and attentive! I would highly recommend for general derm needs and cosmetic adjustments.”

“Dr. Damstetter was the first dermatologist I trusted to do my Botox. She is both knowledgeable and professional and did a fantastic job. I will be using her for any and all of my future needs.”

Melanoma Symptoms

Melanomas are irregularly shaped growths that are usually dark in color. Occasionally they appear pink or red. They may begin as normal moles which then progress into cancer over time. Melanomas are most likely to develop in areas that receive a large amount of sun exposure, such as the face, neck, chest, shoulders, forearms, or hands. However, they can occur anywhere on the body, including the soles of the feet or the nail beds. It is especially important for those with darker skin tones to regularly check these hidden areas.

To identify potential melanoma, keep the mnemonic device “ABCDE” in mind. This stands for:

• A: Asymmetry
• B: Irregular border
• C: Changes in color
• D: Diameter larger than ¼ inch, or the size of a pencil eraser
• E: Evolving, or changing in shape, size, or color over time.

Some patients find it helpful to photograph their moles so they can compare them from month to month as they perform regular self-skin checks at home. Other symptoms of malignant melanoma may include itchiness or bleeding. they can compare them from month to month as they perform regular self-skin checks at home. Other symptoms may include itchiness or bleeding.

VIEW DR. DAMSTETTER’S FAVORITE SUN Protection Products

Diagnosing Melanoma

After conducting a visual examination, reviewing your health history, and carefully examining your skin, Dr. Damstetter may suggest a biopsy to diagnose melanoma. This involves removing a small amount of tissue to examine it in a lab. In some cases, the biopsy will completely remove the suspicious mole. This doesn’t mean that all cancer cells are removed, however. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be recommended to check whether it has spread to nearby areas.

Melanoma Treatments

If you are diagnosed with melanoma, Dr. Damstetter will remove the cancer cells. This can be completely surgically under local anesthesia. In cases where melanoma has spread beyond the skin (called superficial spreading melanoma), additional procedures are necessary. This may include removing affected lymph nodes, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, depending on your condition.

What to Expect During Treatment

Removal of melanoma in situ is relatively quick and painless. Dr. Damstetter will administer a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout. She will remove the cancerous growth, ensuring a good cosmetic result and taking steps to prevent scarring. The length of this procedure can depend on factors like the size of the growth, its complexity, and whether any further cancerous activity is detected.

What to Expect After Treatment

Dr. Damstetter will give you instructions on how to care for your surgical site. The single most important step of your recovery is keeping yourself covered and protected with broad-spectrum sunscreen. People with skin cancer are more likely to see another melanoma incidence, so it is extremely important to practice good habits. Dr. Damstetter will discuss your next steps based on the results of your biopsy and whether further treatment is needed. We recommend returning for yearly skin examinations to remain vigilant for any other skin cancers.

Schedule an Appointment

If you notice signs of melanoma, it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Call Reserve Dermatology in Glenview Illinois or contact us online to schedule your appointment with Dr. Damstetter.