Vanderbilt Health Expands Focus on Melanoma Care as U.S. Diagnoses Top 112,000

1 articles · Updated · VUMC Reporter · May 21

More than 112,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma this year, and Vanderbilt Health is highlighting its Mohs surgery program as a high-precision treatment option.
Up to 99% cure rates for new skin cancers are possible with Mohs micrographic surgery because surgeons examine 100% of tissue margins layer by layer until no cancer cells remain.
Nearly 47% growth in melanoma diagnoses over the past decade has sharpened the push for prevention and early detection, especially as ultraviolet exposure remains the main risk factor.
ABCDE mole checks and routine dermatologist screenings are central to that effort; localized melanoma has about a 99% five-year survival rate when caught early.
Four fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons at Vanderbilt collaborate with oncology specialists on complex cases, particularly for tumors on the face, ears, hands and other sensitive areas.

Since 80% of deadly melanomas are new spots, how can you effectively monitor your skin for these dangerous newcomers?

Melanoma is often diagnosed late on darker skin. What are the subtle warning signs in areas that never see the sun?

With melanoma rates soaring 47% in a decade, are our daily sun protection habits fundamentally flawed?