Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Melanoma and high-risk follow-up
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Melanoma is a skin cancer that starts in pigment cells. It is less common than other skin cancers but more likely to spread, which is why finding it early matters so much. When caught early, melanoma is usually curable with surgery.
Melanoma can appear in an existing mole or as a new spot, and it can develop anywhere, including areas that do not get sun, like the soles of the feet, under the nails and on the genitals.
Signs to watch for
- A mole or spot that follows the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, uneven Border, more than one Color, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or Evolving over time. Melanomas can also be smaller, uniform in color or pink rather than dark
- A spot that looks different from your other moles, sometimes called the ugly duckling sign
- A new dark streak in a nail
- A sore that does not heal
How we care for you
- Biopsy of any spot of concern
- Wide excision of early melanomas, see skin cancer removal
- Referral and coordination with surgical and cancer specialists when more treatment is needed
- High-risk follow-up: regular full-body skin checks, often every 3 to 6 months at first
- Mole mapping to track changes over time
Who is at higher risk
- People with a personal or family history of melanoma
- People with many moles or atypical moles
- People with fair skin, red or blond hair, or a history of blistering sunburns
- People who have used tanning beds
Where it is offered
Offered at all of our offices.
Melanoma Q&A
Can people with dark skin get melanoma?
Yes. Melanoma is less common in darker skin but is often found later. Check all areas, including the palms, soles and under the nails; melanoma can appear anywhere.
Should my family members get checked?
If you have had melanoma, your parents, siblings and children should consider regular skin checks.
Who you can see
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
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Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
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Emma Newman, PA-C
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Grace Jarrett, PA-C
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Leah Aminov, PA-C
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Karen Chen, PA-C
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Paige Yurick, PA-C
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Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
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Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
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Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
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Christine Sacco, FNP-C
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