Superheroes have fancy powers like super-human vision, your dermatologist has MelaFind®!
Ok, so a white lab coat may not be as cool as a cape, but your dermatologists at Cindy Hoffman Dermatology have some of the most advanced technology available in our utility belts to assist in melanoma detection, and we think that’s pretty super.
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is like an arch villain to you and your dermatologist, and unfortunately its incidence is rising yearly in the United States. One of the most at risk populations is younger people aged 18-29, and this has been attributed in part to the increased use of tanning beds. Even though its rising number of cases makes melanoma more of a foe, detecting melanoma can be challenging with the unaided eye. MelaFind® is an FDA approved imaging device that can aid your dermatologist during your skin check by providing additional information about an irregular mole. It’s like having a skin-cancer fighting sidekick.
During your skin check, your dermatologist will use clinical parameters to check your moles visually, such as looking for:
asymmetrical moles
moles with irregular borders
moles having more than one color
moles with a diameter larger than 6 mm
moles that are new or that have changed over time
If your dermatologist determines that you have an irregular mole, he or she may use MelaFind® to help determine the next step in the treatment of your mole, such as the need for biopsy. MelaFind® uses 10 wavelengths of light and advanced computer technology to analyze and assess an irregular mole, and quantify the risk that it may be cancerous.
When it comes to melanoma, a timely diagnosis is an extremely critical factor when considering the best prognosis. It can literally mean the difference between life and death. At Cindy Hoffman Dermatology, we strive to offer our patients the most effective care and are pleased to incorporate MelaFind® into our practice for comprehensive melanoma screening.
References:
MELA Sciences, Inc., 2015. Retrieved on May 4, 2015 from http://www.melafind.com/.
Coming soon.