UV Safety Month: Protecting Your Skin and Health This Summer

July is UV Safety Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. As the sun shines brighter and we spend more time outdoors, it’s essential to understand how UV exposure can affect our skin and overall health. At Premier Surgical Associates, with locations in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City, TN, we emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin tumors and skin cancers.

The Dangers of UV Radiation

UV radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin damage and can lead to serious health issues, including skin cancer. There are two main types of UV rays that affect the skin:

• UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for premature aging and wrinkles. They can also contribute to the development of skin cancer.
  
• UVB Rays: These rays primarily affect the outer layer of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. They play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.

Both types of UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and the potential development of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Preventing Sun Damage

Protecting your skin from UV radiation is crucial to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Here are some effective strategies to keep your skin safe:

• Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
  
• Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can provide additional protection against UV rays. Look for clothing with a high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating.
  
• Seek Shade: Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Seek shade under umbrellas, trees, or shelters.
  
• Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can be just as harmful as the sun. Choose sunless tanning products instead.

The Importance of Early Detection

Despite taking preventive measures, it’s essential to remain vigilant for signs of skin damage and skin cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Regular self-examinations and professional skin checks with your dermatologist can help identify potential issues early. Look for the following warning signs:

• New Growths: Pay attention to any new moles or growths on your skin.
• Changes in Existing Moles: Monitor moles for changes in size, shape, color, or texture.
• Non-Healing Sores: Watch for sores that do not heal or persist for more than a few weeks.
• Itching or Bleeding: Be aware of moles or growths that itch, bleed, or become tender.

Treatment of Skin Tumors and Skin Cancers

At Premier Surgical Associates, we provide comprehensive treatment options for skin tumors and skin cancers. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, our experienced team is equipped to treat your issue using advanced techniques. The most common types of surgeries used to treat skin cancers include:

• Excision: The growth and its surrounding border of tissue are removed.
• Curettage and Electrodesiccation: The growth is scraped off and the tumor site is treated with an electric needle to destroy remaining cancer cells. This technique is normally for smaller lesions.
• Lymph Node Surgery:  Lymph nodes are removed to check for cancer or if cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes.

UV Safety Month serves as a timely reminder of the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. By taking preventive measures and being proactive about early detection, you can reduce the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, don’t hesitate to reach out to Premier Surgical Associates for expert care and treatment.

Stay safe this summer and protect your skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Knoxville, Cleveland, or Johnson City, TN. Your skin health is our priority.

The post UV Safety Month: Protecting Your Skin and Health This Summer first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Skin Cancer Melanoma Month: Why Early Detection is Key

May is recognized globally as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with a special focus on melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. At Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City, TN, we are committed to educating our community about the importance of early detection and preventative measures to combat this aggressive disease.

Understanding Melanoma

Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in your skin. Unlike basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, which are more common and less lethal, melanoma has a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body if not caught early. It is caused by uncontrolled growth of pigment cells and can appear on the skin suddenly without warning or develop from an existing mole.

The Importance of Early Detection

The survival rate for melanoma significantly increases with early detection. When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable with a five-year survival rate of 99 percent. However, if it spreads to distant organs, the survival rate can drop to 27 percent. This stark difference underscores the critical nature of early detection.

Signs and Symptoms

Early signs of melanoma are changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole. The ABCDE rule provides a simple way to remember what to look for:

• (A)symmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
• (B)order: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• (C)olor: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• (D)iameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
• (E)volving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Skin Cancer Melanoma Prevention Tips

Preventing melanoma starts with protecting yourself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here are some preventative steps you can take:

• Avoid Burning and Tanning: Avoid sunburns and never use UV tanning beds.
• Wear Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Cover Up: Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
• Seek Shade: Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Watch for Reflections: Water, snow, and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

The Importance of Regular Skin Exams for Skin Cancer Melanoma

Regular skin exams by a healthcare professional are essential for detecting skin cancer early. At Premier Surgical Associates, we encourage annual skin checks as part of a routine preventive health care plan. We also stress the importance of self-exams. Regularly examining your skin for any new moles or changes in existing moles is vital. 

During Skin Cancer Melanoma Month—and throughout the year—it’s important to focus on the prevention and early detection of melanoma. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or have concerns about skin cancer, our surgeons are skilled at removing skin cancers.  Reach out to us online to schedule an appointment. Remember: early detection can save lives, and together, we can combat the threat of melanoma.

The post Skin Cancer Melanoma Month: Why Early Detection is Key first appeared on Premier Surgical.

May is Skin Cancer Prevention Month, and it’s the perfect time to learn how to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. At Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Johnson City, and Cleveland TN, we are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal health, including protecting their skin from skin cancer.

Here are some expert tips on how to protect your skin and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer from the experts at Premier Surgical Associates.

Tip 1: Wear Protective Clothing

One of the most effective ways to protect your skin from the sun is to wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses. Look for clothing that is labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which indicates the level of protection the fabric provides against UV radiation.

Tip 2: Use Sunscreen

Another crucial step in protecting your skin is to use sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming.

Tip 3: Seek Shade

Avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is also an effective way to protect your skin. Seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or canopies when you are outside. If you can’t find shade, create your own by bringing a portable umbrella or canopy.

Tip 4: Check Your Skin Regularly

It’s essential to check your skin regularly for any changes or abnormalities. Look for any new moles or growths, changes in the color or texture of existing moles, or any sores that don’t heal. If you notice anything unusual, contact your dermatologist or a board-certified surgeon right away.

Tip 5: Get a Skin Biopsy

If your doctor suspects that you may have skin cancer, they may recommend a skin biopsy. At Premier Surgical Surgery Center in Knoxville, TN, we offer skin biopsies to diagnose skin cancer and other skin conditions. Our expert surgeons will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.

Tip 6: Seek Treatment for Melanoma

If you have been diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Premier Surgical Associates, our board-certified surgeons have the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat melanoma with the latest techniques and technologies.

Act Now with Expert Help

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential for maintaining healthy skin and reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. By following these expert tips and seeking treatment when necessary, you can enjoy the outdoors and maintain healthy skin for years to come.

If you need more information about a skin biopsy or have been diagnosed with melanoma, fill out our appointment request form at https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-an-appointment/.

The post Protect Your Skin: Expert Tips from Premier Surgical Associates first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Skin cancer develops when there is abnormal growth of skin cells. This abnormal growth usually occurs in areas that are exposed to the sun.

There are three major types of skin cancers – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most aggressive and the deadliest.

What are the warning signs of skin cancer?
You may think that brown spots, moles, and skin growths are harmless; unfortunately, this is not always the case. Premier Surgical Surgical Oncologist Dr. Ana Wilson advises if you want to detect skin cancer early, it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your skin especially if you notice new growths or moles. She recommends that you check your skin monthly and bring any spots that appear darker or larger to the attention of your dermatologist or primary caregiver.

At Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, our physicians use the ABCDE assessment, which stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving.

Below, we explain the ABCDE assessment and offer questions to ask yourself to help you understand what to look for when you notice any changes in your skin.

Asymmetry: Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape?
Melanoma is often asymmetrical. This means that the shape is not uniform. A non-cancerous mole usually has a uniform and symmetrical shape.

Border: Are the outer edges of the mole or spot jagged or uneven?
When you look at the border or edges of melanomas, they are not well-defined or regular in shape. They are uneven, ragged, or blurred.

Color: Does the mole have more than one color?
Benign moles are typically one color. Cancerous moles can be of different shades of black, tan, pink, purple, or white.

Diameter: Is the spot or mole larger than the size of a pencil eraser?
Any mole that’s larger in diameter than ¼ inch should be checked.

Evolving: Has the spot or mole changed in the last few weeks or months?
Watch out for moles or lesions that change in characteristics, be it in size, shape, or color. If you notice any new skin growths, watch it for signs of changes.

Are you at risk?
Anyone can get skin cancer regardless of skin color. However, you have a higher risk of developing it if you:

• Have excessive sun exposure
• Are fair-skinned
• Have a large number of moles on your skin
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Have a weakened immune system

How to treat skin cancer?
Surgery is the most common form of treatment for skin cancer. The most common types of surgeries used for treating skin cancer are:

• Excision
This procedure involves the removal of the growth and its surrounding border of tissue.

• Curettage and Electrodessication
This procedure is usually used for smaller lesions. It involves scraping off the growth and treating the tumor site with an electric needle to destroy the cancer cells.

• Lymph Node Surgery
This involves the removal of the lymph nodes to check for the presence or spread (metastasis) of cancer.

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery
In this procedure, thin layers of tissue containing the tumor are removed and examined. If cancer cells are detected, additional layers are removed and examined until the skin samples are free of cancer cells.

Your surgical options will depend on several factors such as the type and size of your skin cancer, its location, and your overall health.

For more aggressive types of skin cancer, surgery may be followed with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Is skin cancer preventable?
While there is no sure-fire way to prevent skin cancer, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Dr. Wilson stresses that everyone should wear sunscreen daily, year-round, even when it looks cloudy outside. She says sun protective clothing is a great way to shield your skin. You should also avoid tanning and tanning beds.

Again, if you notice any new or unusual growths in your skin, have them checked by a physician. Just like other cancer types, there is a better treatment outcome for skin cancer if it’s detected and treated earlier.

The surgeons of Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville and Cleveland, TN are experienced in assessing and treating all types of skin cancers. Visit our Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers page for more information.

To request an appointment with Surgical Oncologist Dr. Ana Wilson or any of Premier Surgical’s experienced physician, please visit this link.

The post Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month first appeared on Premier Surgical.

A new year brings new opportunities for many of us to begin developing healthy habits. This year, prioritize your skin!

If you have bumps, lumps or other skin issues, the Skin Clinic at Premier Surgical Associates at Parkwest will help clear those up. Here are some important things about the Skin Clinic from our certified Physician Assistant, Rachael Foust.

What is the “Skin Clinic” at Premier Surgical Parkwest?
“The skin clinic addresses conditions of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that require a more surgical approach including excision, incision and drainage and biopsy.”

What types of skin issues do you treat in the Skin Clinic?
“We treat a variety of conditions including lipomas, cysts, skin infections and abscesses among others.”

A lipoma is a collection of fatty tissue cells that form together and are typically located just below the skin surface. The growth is typically not cancerous and can be uncomfortable depending on its location.

A sebaceous cyst is another non-cancerous skin growth. These will grow slowly over time, they are firmer, and filled with material from sweat glands.

What are the most common skin problems you see in your patients?
“The majority of our patients present with lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors, or cysts, which are encapsulated fluid collections. Abscesses are infections of skin with underlying fluid collections that are also very common and can be found on any part of the body.”

When should someone patient seek medical treatment for a lump, bump or skin issue?
“I always tell my patients if it rapidly enlarges, becomes infected or changes significantly over a short period of time it needs to be evaluated.”

What are some signs that a lump or skin issue may be more serious?
“Rapid enlargement, signs/symptoms of infection including pain, redness or swelling, and change to the overlying skin are concerning features.”

What else would you like potential patients to know about the Skin Clinic that’s offered at Premier Surgical Parkwest?
“Not all skin issues require more in depth surgical treatment. I therefore ensure that my patients have all the necessary information allowing them to make an educated informed decision prior to any procedural intervention. However, I do stress that any changes to the skin or underlying tissue should be evaluated by a professional.”

Rachael says, “Don’t wait until it’s too late–seek treatment early on for infections of the skin.”
If you have a skin issue you are concerned about, and would like to have it evaluated or removed, please contact the Skin Clinic at Premier Surgical Associates at Parkwest at (865) 690-5263, or fill out this appointment request form.

The post Bumps or Lumps on Your Skin? Here’s What to Do first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Spending time outdoors especially after months of being cooped up can be fun and exciting! However, the physicians of Premier Surgical would like to remind you that with fun and in the sun comes the responsibility of protecting your skin.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Exposing it without any form of protection from the sun can cause irreversible skin damage. It can cause dark spots, wrinkles, leathery skin, and even skin cancer (about 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70).

Enjoy the outdoors while still keeping your skin healthy with these tips:

• Always wear sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen even when it’s cloudy is one of the simplest ways you can protect your skin. Make sure the label says “broad spectrum” so you can have protection from both UVA and UVB rays. For maximum protection, make sure it has at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.

If you’re staying outside for long, make sure you re-apply the sunscreen, following the product’s instructions.

• Consider wearing protective clothing
Aside from sunscreen, wearing protective clothing is also one way of protecting your skin from sun damage.

A hat that has a brim of at least 2 inches can shade your eyes and provides another layer of protection on your face. Sunglasses can protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. As for the rest of the body, lightweight long-sleeve tops and pants can provide consistent coverage. This can be helpful especially if you keep on forgetting to re-apply your sunscreen.

• Limit your sun exposure
Even with sunscreen, deliberately exposing yourself under the sun for an extended period of time is never a good idea.

Seek shade if you can (under a tree or bring a beach tent if you’re staying out for long at the beach). It also helps to avoid the sun between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. It is in these times when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

• Skip the tanning beds
Having that bronze glow may be enticing, but it’s not worth the risk. A single indoor tanning bed session can increase your chance of developing skin cancer by 20%.

If you really want to achieve that sun-kissed glow, tanning lotion can be a better alternative.

• Check your skin often
Like many types of cancer, there is a better treatment outcome for skin cancer if it’s diagnosed early. So, assess your skin on a regular basis. If there are skin growths that look unusual or a mole that seems to grow bigger, have them checked by a specialist.

Premier Surgical of Knoxville and Cleveland, TN has surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin cancers. To learn more about skin cancer, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/melanoma-and-other-skin-cancers/.

The post Protect Your Skin This Summer! first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Winter can be fun, but the cold weather is not always fun for the skin. Low temperatures and humidity can rob the skin of its moisture, leading to dryness and dullness. Many think that summer months are the time to take extra care of your skin, but it’s also important not to neglect it in the winter!

Here are a few tips to keep your skin healthy when the temperatures drop:

• Use lukewarm water
  Hot showers feel so good especially when it’s cold outside, but it can also strip away the natural oils from your skin. As much as you can, try to use lukewarm water especially when you’re just washing your face or hands.
• Moisturize
  The cold air can cause skin dryness. So, don’t forget to moisturize especially after washing your face. Applying moisturizer on damp skin helps in sealing the moisture. When choosing a moisturizer, opt for one that has natural, nourishing ingredients.
• Use a humidifier
  The heating systems can dry out your skin. A humidifier helps bring back the moisture in the air, keeping your skin from drying out.
• Hydrate
  It’s too easy to neglect this especially during winter as we usually turn to warm, comforting drinks like coffee, hot cocoa and tea, but remember that the skin needs hydration from the inside out.
• Protect your skin
  Gloves and scarves can protect your skin from cold winds that cause it to dry. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen too! Winter sun can be as damaging as summer sun, so don’t skip out on the UV protection if you plan to be outside in the sun.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it needs to be taken care of year-round! Caring for your skin properly in the cold months is important to keeping it healthy. You should also be doing regular skin checks no matter the season.

Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville have a team of surgical oncologists who specialize in the treatment of skin cancer. If you notice something unusual, such as discoloration or appearance of ‘new’ moles, you should contact your doctor immediately.

The post Healthy Skin in the Winter first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville reminds you that one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun. Follow these tips to stay skin-safe:

1. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15
   Wearing sunscreen, even if it looks cloudy outside, is one of the easiest yet often overlooked way of preventing skin cancer. Make sure that you opt for water-resistant sunscreen and you re-apply every 2 hours especially when you’re sweating or swimming.

2. Cover up
   Wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses, especially when you plan to be outdoors between 10 AM and 3 PM – these are hours when the UVB rays are strongest.

3. Seek shade
   Seek shade when possible especially during the hours when sun’s rays are strongest. If you’re unsure about the sun’s intensity, take a shadow test. If your shadow is shorter than you, then the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

Self-Examination

It’s best practice to do regular self-exams. Premier Surgical physicians stress that skin cancers that are detected early are almost always treatable.

When doing self-skin checks, take note of skin spots that are changing in color, size, and shape. Skin cancer usually take the following forms:

• Wax-like, pearly nodule
• Mole-like growths
• Sores that don’t heal
• Red and scaly outlined patches

See a specialist immediately if you notice any of these. Premier Surgical in Knoxville has well-experienced surgeons. Our healthcare team have years of experience in treating skin and other cancers.

To learn more, visit Premier Surgical’s Skin Cancer page.

The post Be Skin Safe! first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Robin kept the drawing her Premier Surgical surgeon sketched to explain her melanoma surgery.

It’s the paper that was spread across the examination table when Dr. Dudrick drew a picture to help her understand the cancer surgery she would undergo at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center as the result of a melanoma.

An Island Paradise

MacLean guesses that she did the most damage to her skin during the early part of her career with the United States Navy while stationed in Hawaii.

Like many, MacLean used tanning oils that offered little or no sun protection. Other than the occasional smudge of sunblock on her nose, her skin was fair game for plenty of sun exposure.

In the years that followed, MacLean spent hours outdoors with her husband and children. But in 2017, she noticed some blood on her sports bra from a mole on her back. She tried several different bras, and then put a bandage over the mole.

“It was about the size of a pencil eraser, and it was raised a little,” MacLean says. “I just thought I had scraped it, and it hadn’t had enough time to heal.”

Nothing seemed to help. A little frustrated that she couldn’t see what was going on between her shoulder blades, MacLean asked her husband to come and take a look. He told her the mole looked like it might be infected.

MacLean scheduled an appointment with her dermatologist and it turned out to be a potentially life-saving decision. The physician removed not one, but six moles, and sent them to a lab to be tested.

Diagnosis

Several days later, MacLean was driving through a snowstorm out of state when she got a call from the dermatologist saying the mole on her back was a cancerous melanoma.

MacLean told herself that the dermatologist had already removed the mole, so there was no more threat. She told herself that the follow-up appointment with the surgical oncologist was simply a precautionary measure in case just a little more needed to be removed.

But her appointment with Dr. Dudrick of Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders didn’t go the way she expected. He took a pen and sketched the cancer cells where the mole on her back had been, then drew a six-inch incision he planned to make. A second sketch on the paper showed the three layers of skin he was going to have to cut through.

She would also need to undergo nuclear mapping at Thompson Cancer Survival Center to make sure the cancer hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes. MacLean called her husband in tears and then started praying.

“I got chills just walking into Thompson, because you know everyone there is battling cancer,” MacLean says as she wipes away tears. “It still gets me when I think about it.”

Robin looks at the sunshine differently since her melanoma diagnosis and surgery.

Supported by friends and family, and strengthened by her faith, MacLean went forward with the surgery. It was successful, and Dr. Dudrick delivered the good news that the cancer had not spread, so no further treatment was necessary.

Learning from the Past

MacLean was thrilled, and she was also grateful for answered prayers. Now she looks back, realizing it could have been so much worse, but at the same time knowing the cancer could have been avoided.

“I had a blast in the sun at beaches and on spring breaks with my kids,” MacLean says, “but was it worth risking my life?”

The culture has changed, and so has she. MacLean can’t turn back time, and the scar on her back is a permanent part of her now. But because of her experience, life is more precious and she’s now able to alert others to the dangers of overexposure to the sun.

“You need to pay attention to your body, because something like this can happen quickly, and it can be life threatening,” MacLean says. “And if you see something, don’t ignore it.”

To learn more about the surgical treatment of cancer, visit the Premier Surgical Oncology page.  For more info about cancer services at Thompson Cancer Survival Center, visit thompsoncancer.com, or call (865) 331-1111.

The post Bright Days Ahead: Melanoma Patient Becomes Advocate for Sun Safety first appeared on Premier Surgical.

There has been a rise in the number of melanoma cases for the past 30 years. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be over 90,000 new cases of melanoma this year.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes.

Melanocytes are skin cells responsible for creating the brown pigment called melanin. This pigment helps in protecting the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

It’s not clear what exactly causes melanoma. However, experts believed that unprotected exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and the frequent use of tanning lamps and beds increases one’s risk of developing this type of skin cancer.

What are the symptoms of melanoma?

Although melanoma can develop in any part of the body, it is most common in areas that have had exposure to the sun. These include the face, arms, and legs.

Melanoma can cause a change in an existing mole or development of new pigment on the skin. It may also appear as a new unusual growth on the skin.

What to look for:

When assessing an unusual-looking mole, think of ABCDE:

• Asymmetry

Melanomas have asymmetrical shapes.

• Border

Most melanomas have scalloped or irregular borders.

• Color

Changes in color or uneven color in moles may indicate melanoma.

• Diameter

See your doctor if new moles or the unusual-looking growths in your skin are larger than 1/4 inch.

• Evolving

A mole that changes in color, that grows, or comes with other symptoms such as itchiness or bleeding may also indicate melanoma.

How to prevent melanoma?

Using broad spectrum (provides UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is one of the simplest ways to prevent melanoma. You can also prevent it through:

1. Avoiding the use of UV tanning beds
2. Seeking shade especially between 10 AM and 4 PM (these are times of the day when the sun hits the hardest)
3. Doing self-checks every month (examining your skin head-to-toe)
4. Seeing your physician every year

Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville specializes in the treatment of skin cancers. This summer, protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, and if you see any changes in moles or freckles on your skin, schedule an appointment with your doctor to be sure there’s nothing abnormal. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Fortunately, with early detection and treatment, it is often very curable.

The post Melanoma Awareness Month first appeared on Premier Surgical.