Screening for Cancer - Early Detection

Ms. Angelina Jolie’s recent decision to prophylactically have a double mastectomy reminds us of the high level of concern regarding breast cancer.

In part, implicit in her decision is the accurate understanding that screening mammograms may not be efficient at identifying the most virulent breast cancers when they are potentially curable.  Mammograms are best at identifying breast cancer tissue types where later diagnosis would only minimally affect prognosis.

Malignant melanomas are quite different from the above scenario; early diagnosis almost uniformly dictates long term cure.  In the case of melanomas (and also colonoscopy diagnoses which also save lives) we can identify early signs in pigmented growths which allows us to remove them in a curative stage. Yearly full cutaneous exams with your dermatologist are a smart thing to do.

MELANOMA & SKIN CANCER

What is the difference between MELANOMA and SKIN CANCER?
This is a question often asked or implied though it could be phrased better with more information. 

Actually, melanoma IS a skin cancer, though by far the least common.  Less than 1% of all skin cancers are melanomas, though it is the most dangerous. The other 2 types : basal and squamous are usually not fatal; melanoma almost always is if left untreated.

Melanomas also are not as related to sun exposure as the more common skin cancers: they may occur anywhere on the skin, including the fingers, toes, scalp, genitals, & within the eye.

Screening for Cancer.

Doctors are trained in the art and science of treating symptoms.  Symptoms are our bodies ways of announcing disease.  In short, internally we are often a day late and a dollar short.

Dermatology is beautifully different: we can see evidence of early pathology by examining the organ (skin) directly.  The average dermatologist by recognizing and removing abnormal moles saves 2-3 patients' lives per month since these moles would evolve into uniformly fatal malignant melanomas ("mole cancers") with the patient dying within a few years.

Risk factors include fair skin, fair hair, blue eyes, and to a lesser degree excessive sun exposure.  Evolving tumors, when removed early, are 100% curable; 100% fatal when removed late.  

A yearly full cutaneous exam on all patients would essentially prevent this fatal disease (the fastest increasing cancer in the U.S) from exacting its toll.

Too long between posts!

It's been a long while since our last post, don't leave it that long to get your moles checked!

Now that Summer is over, here is a friendly reminder to visit us and have your moles examined. Call (818) 884-7150 or (310) 271-6663 to schedule your appointment.

IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING CANCERS WOULD YOU PICK TO HAVE (I.E. WHICH HAVE THE BETTER PROGNOSIS?): Breast cancer, prostate cancer, or malignant melanoma (mole cancer). Your answer should be either of the first two. Malignant melanoma, unlike the other two, is, untreated, a fast and sure killer, which, unlike breast and prostate cancer’s is not dependent upon tissue type for its prognosis.  

FOR WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING CANCERS IS EARLY TREATMENT THE ONLY FACTOR DETERMINING PROGNOSIS AND SURVIVAL? Breast cancer, prostate cancer, or malignant melanoma. Answer: malignant melanoma. Early diagnosis for the others is actually less important than the tissue type (which is often worse in younger individuals).  

CAN MELANOMA BE DIAGNOSED EARLY ENOUGH FOR COMPLETE CURE? Answer: Absolutely. Early characteristics of melanoma (color change – particularly a purplish hue in a mole; border irregularity) allow dermatologists to remove the tumor early enough to yield above a 95% success rate in achieving no recurrence or spread.  

WHAT IS THE FASTEST INCREASING CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES? Answer: Malignant melanoma. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? Nothing – they are usually flat. Malignant melanoma must be diagnosed with the eye, not the finger.