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Melanoma

Overview of Melanoma

Melanoma accounts for a small percentage (about 1–2%) of all skin cancers but is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is a fast-growing and aggressive skin cancer that can quickly spread to lymph nodes and other organs, leading to cancer elsewhere in the body and life-threatening illness. Each year, more than 100,000 Americans will develop melanoma, and nearly 10,000 (roughly 10% of those diagnosed) will die from it.

Melanomas that are small, shallow, and detected and treated early have very good cure rates. That’s why our dermatology providers, plastic surgeons, and dermatopathologists collaborate to diagnose melanoma early and quickly deliver personalized treatment plans, so you can feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

A close-up of human skin with a large, irregularly shaped, dark brown mole or lesion, featuring uneven borders and varying shades of brown.

Typical Appearance and Warning Signs of Melanoma

Melanoma can appear in many forms, which is why recognizing early warning signs is so important. It often begins as a new spot on the skin or a change in an existing mole. One common way to remember what to look for is by using the ABCDEs of Melanoma:

  • A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t mirror the other half in shape, size, or color.
  • B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred instead of smooth and sharp.
  • C – Color: The mole shows multiple shades—such as brown, black, red, white, or blue—or changes color over time.
  • D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
  • E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, color, shape, or symptoms—such as itching, bleeding, or crusting. This is the most important sign. Even if the lesion you are looking at does not meet the A, B, C, or D criteria, a changing mole is concerning and should be evaluated.

Melanoma lesions may also stand out as the “ugly duckling”—a mole that looks different from your others—or appear in unexpected places such as under nails, on the palms or soles, or on mucous membranes. Because melanoma can spread rapidly, early detection is critical. If you notice any spot that looks unusual or is changing, schedule an evaluation right away.

Preventing Melanoma

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Protect Your Skin from the Sun Every Day

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher—even on cloudy days—and reapply every two hours when outdoors.

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Seek Shade and Avoid Peak Sun Hours

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, especially at Colorado’s higher elevations, where UV intensity is greater.

A simple blue outline of a shield with a T-shirt inside, accompanied by a checkmark in a blue circle on the bottom right, symbolizing clothing protection or approval while considering skin tone and skin texture.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, UV-blocking sunglasses, and fabrics with a high UPF ratings provide additional defense.

Line drawing of a person lying inside a tanning bed, with a sun symbol above and wavy lines representing heat or UV light—highlighting the risk of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma from UV exposure.

Avoid Tanning Beds

Artificial UV exposure carries the same risks as natural sunlight and significantly increases the chance of developing skin cancer.

Simple outline of a human head with a magnifying glass positioned over the right cheek, suggesting close examination or face analysis focused on skin tone or skin texture.

Perform Regular Skin Self-Exams

Check your skin once a month for new or changing spots, bumps, or sores that do not heal.

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Schedule Annual Total Body Skin Exams (TBSEs)

Early detection saves tissue and reduces the need for more extensive procedures. Vanguard’s dermatology providers specialize in identifying subtle or early signs of skin cancer.

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The WOW Promise—Within One Week

When it comes to skin cancer, time matters. At Vanguard Skin Specialists, we believe no patient with a potentially concerning spot should wait weeks for answers. That’s why we created the WOW Promise—Within One Week.

If you have a mole, lesion, or spot that looks suspicious or is causing concern, our team will ensure you are seen by one of our dermatology providers within one week of contacting us. This commitment reflects our mission to provide exceptional, compassionate care when you need it most.

FAQs About Melanoma