• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Saving Lives of Alabama Residents Who Develop Skin Cancer Each Year: The Key is Early Detection and Treatment

Posted on: Tuesday, 28 August 2007, 12:16 CDT

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day three Alabama residents are diagnosed with a new case of melanoma skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. A local dermatologist is working to decrease this alarming statistic, and increase the likelihood that local residents diagnosed with this deadliest type of skin cancer will survive.

"Staying out of the sun or protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays is the best defense against skin cancer, but it's equally important to have your skin examined at least once a year by a board-certified dermatologist, especially if you have any moles that are irregular in shape or have recently appeared or changed in size, shape or color," said Dr. Gary Monheit of Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology. "Early detection of suspicious moles is the key to preventing melanoma."

When melanoma is caught in its early stages, it's almost always curable. Risk factors for melanoma include: * Sunlight, or too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation * Presence of many moles and/or large moles (>6mm) * Fair skin, freckling, light eyes, or natural red or blond hair * Family history of melanoma * Past personal history of melanoma

Traditionally, dermatologists have relied on their own eyes and judgment in deciding whether to remove a suspicious mole.

Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology is participating in a nationwide patient trial to test an investigational medical technology called MelaFind(R), designed to assist physicians in the early diagnosis of melanoma.

MelaFind is a non-invasive hand-held imaging device that emits light of multiple wavelengths to capture images of suspicious pigmented skin lesions (moles). MelaFind then analyzes the images in order to provide information to the physician and produce a recommendation of whether the lesion should be biopsied.

"We encourage patients to come in for skin exams in general, especially during the summer months when people tend to spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun," said Dr. Monheit.

If you think you have a mole that may be cancerous, and would like to have it examined, please contact Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology at 205-380-6148. You may also be eligible to participate in the MelaFind trial.

About Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center

At Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center, our mission is to provide you with the most comprehensive skin-care services available. We work with people who have skin conditions or concerns about their appearance that can be helped through modern dermatologic techniques. Most importantly, our physicians and staff work with you one-on-one to ensure you'll have healthy skin for life. Our Total Clinical Research Institute frequently conducts studies to find the most effective substances to improve your appearance and health. In fact, you'll find that Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology is one of the few private practices in Alabama that conducts ongoing research. Testing new forms of cosmetic fillers and injectables is one of the many ways we strive to keep you looking young. You may even benefit from one of our extensive studies. For more information, visit http://www.totalskinandbeauty.com/.

Media Contact: Erich Sandoval, Lazar Partners Tel: (212) 867-1773 esandoval@lazarpartners.com

Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center

CONTACT: Erich Sandoval, Lazar Partners, +1-212-867-1773,esandoval@lazarpartners.com, for Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center

Web site: http://www.totalskinandbeauty.com/

Source: PRNewswire

More News in this Category