Melanoma Prevention

Melanoma is often a local disease which can be managed easily, but some cases are more agressive. Melanoma is currently the fifth and seventh most common cancer in American men and women, respectively, and it has become more frequent.  Sun exposure and genetic predisposition are the two most common causes. In simple terms it is due to a growth of the pigment producing cells of the skin called melanocytes. These melanocyte cells of the skin produce pigment in the form of melanin in response to stimuli such as ultraviolet (UV) light. Melanocytes also make the pigment that determines skin and hair color. Individuals with pigmented spots, moles or lesions are best served by having regular skin check ups, that only last a few minutes. An interesting study
Researchers report in a new study, published online in the journal Cancer, that included 59,806 women ages 50 to 79, regular aspirin use decreases cases of melanoma.  After controlling for sun exposure, sunscreen use, a history of skin cancer and many other factors, the researchers found that women who reported using aspirin had an average 21 percent lower risk of melanoma compared with nonusers, and the longer they used aspirin, the lower their risk. The senior author, Dr. Jean Y. Tang, an assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford, pointed out that the study was observational and not a clinical trial, and correlation does not equal causation. “It’s an important finding for high-risk women to discuss with their doctors,” she said, “but it’s way too early to recommend that everyone go take aspirin to prevent melanoma." Dr. Suzanne Trupin, at Hada Cosmetic Medicine states that aspirin use may be useful heart protection for some women, and that coming in for a consultation regarding your overall health can help determine if you should take it, and at what dosage.

The Fastest Increasing Cancer

Melanoma in increasing with new cases found more rapidly than any other cancer. The rates have actually doubled in the years between 1973 and 1993, and now in these next two decades we can expect the trend to continue. For women, most are found during the youthful so called 'reproductive years' which correspond with sun exposure. the factors leading to malignant melanomas include our immune system and genetic factors as well as ultraviolet radiation exposure. Early diagnosis is important as the only curative treatment is excision. If the excision is in a sensitive or critical area then the amount of tissue removed is best if can be minimized. Eraly diagnosis helps to be able to treat the melanoma before it enlarges. We recommend noting any lesions of your skin that are new, that are changing, or that are bothersome and getting them checked regularly.

Sun Screen and Sun Exposure

In 1855 the original "Sun Doctor" Arnold Rikli began offering light therapy to treat a variety of disorders, but he didn't really know it wasn't strictly beneficial! But sun worshiping has never actually been far out of style! We do now have studies that say sun exposure, and other UV light exposure ,causes various forms of skin damage from solar keratoses to melanoma and squameous cell carcinoma. It was once thought that as long as you didn't burn the skin, it was a safe way to tan. Ambre Solaire was thus invented so you could use to 'bronze but not burn,' in 1935. Thus the orginal  tanning lotion  brain child of Eugene Schueller who went on to found the parent company  of L'Oreal. But ever since that has led us to get more sun exposure, not less, and been under the mistaken idea that there is a safe way to tan. Medical studies have tried to increase specific knowledge about what the true risks are, and how to best avoid. So instead of enhance your tan, fashionable or not, we encourage covering up, and to that end sunscreen has been the most effective.  The data presented in the media has been confusing when we've shown that sun screen use has actually increased melanomas, but quickly clarified to determine that people who use sun screen actually go out in the sun more, so they are much more exposed to sunlight. Some of this may be due to better UVA than UVB protection, and in general, if you are getting tan, the sun's effect is on your skin, whether you didn't burn or whether you did. More details can be found in this article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.And if you managed to have skin sun damage you would like to reverse, that that is something that is very possible, call for an appointment!

Skin Melanoma and Endometriosis

A national study of almost 100,000 French women were studied by a group of researchers at the Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale and Institut Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France and they have found a positive association between a history of endometriosis and melanoma risk. They also found an association between breast fibromas and melanomas. The association is not completely surprising because there is a small association between skin melanoma and estrogen hormone levels. That having been said it is safe to take birth control pills and/or use hormone therapy in menopause if you have melanoma. It is also safe to become pregnant after a diagnosis of melanoma. But if you have been diagnosed with either of the gynocologic conditions of endometriosis or a breast lump, don't skip your skin check up!