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Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month – What You Need to Know for Early Detection

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Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be deadly if not detected early. May is Melanoma Awareness and Skin Cancer Month, an excellent opportunity to remind everyone about early detection and prevention.

Understanding Melanoma:

Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer originating in the cells that produce the pigment that gives skin its color called melanocytes. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and legs. Melanoma can also occur in the eyes and other body parts, so detecting it as early as possible is essential.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms:

Melanoma can appear as a new or unusual mole or changes in an existing mole. Signs and symptoms include a change in a mole’s size, shape, color, or texture, a sore that does not heal, or a pigmented area of skin that spreads. Your provider can help you detect the earliest signs of melanoma and refer you to a dermatologist if further treatment is needed. 

Screening Tests:

Skin cancer screenings are an essential tool for early detection. During a screening, a dermatologist will check your skin for any unusual moles, discoloration, or texture changes. They may also use a dermatoscope to magnify the mole so they can see whether it looks suspicious. If your provider feels a mole is suspicious, you may be referred to a dermatologist for a biopsy or further testing to determine whether it is cancerous.

Prevention is Key:

There are many ways to prevent melanoma, including avoiding sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. It is also essential to avoid tanning beds, as they can increase your risk of developing melanoma by up to 75%.

By understanding the signs and symptoms of melanoma, recognizing the importance of skin cancer screenings, and taking preventative measures to protect your skin, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing melanoma. If you have not had a skin cancer screening yet, schedule an appointment with your provider today by visiting our Patient Portal or find a provider by clicking here

Centinela Hospital Medical Center has been serving the communities of Inglewood and the wider Los Angeles area for almost 100 years. An award-winning facility, ranking in the top 5% nationally for quality and patient safety, Centinela Hospital is a 362-bed acute-care hospital offering a 24-hour emergency department (ED), orthopedic care, advanced cardiac services, peripheral artery disease treatment, primary stroke center, critical care services, robotics surgery program, inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, and OB/GYN services in a caring environment. By serving more than 16,000 inpatients and 55,000 patients through its ED annually, Centinela Hospital is actively involved in improving the health of the community with programs designed to meet the needs of those that it serves.

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