Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. While it is less common than other skin cancers, it is more likely to spread if not found early. When diagnosed at an early stage, melanoma is highly treatable. When diagnosis is delayed, treatment becomes more complex, and outcomes are less predictable.
At Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, our board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive melanoma screening, diagnosis, and treatment across the greater Houston area. With locations in Fulshear, Heights, Kingwood, Pearland, River Oaks, and Vintage Park, we make expert melanoma care accessible.
Why Choose Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery
At Elite Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, our board-certified dermatologists focus on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment tailored to each patient. From your first skin exam through diagnosis and follow-up, you’ll be entrusting your care to a team that treats melanoma every day and understands how critical timing is. Whether you need a routine melanoma screening or urgent evaluation of a changing mole, our team is here to help.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It often appears as a new or changing mole, but it can also arise in existing moles or on normal-appearing skin. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that receive little sun exposure.
Although melanoma is most common in patients with lighter skin tones, anyone can develop melanoma, regardless of skin color or background. Risk increases with factors such as:
- A history of sunburns or tanning bed use
- Frequent or intense sun exposure
- Having many moles or atypical moles
- A personal or family history of melanoma
Did You Know?
Melanoma cannot be diagnosed by appearance alone. A biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a spot is cancerous. That’s why professional melanoma screening is so important when something looks suspicious.
Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma
Dermatologists often use the ABCDE guide to help identify moles that need evaluation:
- Asymmetry – Most melanomas do not match when split into halves.
- Borders – Melanomas often have irregular borders that aren’t well-defined.
- Color – A melanoma is more likely to have multi-tonal hues.
- Diameter – The diameter is often larger than 6mm but can be smaller.
- Evolving – Melanomas may seem to be shape-shifting or changing color.
Melanomas are also more likely to bleed, itch, or cause pain and irritation than benign moles. Any spot that looks different from the rest of your skin or changes over time should be examined by a dermatologist.
Comprehensive Melanoma Treatment Options at Elite Dermatology
If you have a mole that looks suspicious to your Elite dermatologist, he or she may order a biopsy to determine the biological composition of the lesion. If cancer is found, the pathology report may indicate certain details about the melanoma, such as its stage.
Early-stage melanomas that have not yet spread to the lymph nodes may be removed by a surgical procedure in the office. However, patients with melanoma in more advanced stages may need to have some lymph nodes removed for testing. This procedure is performed by a general surgeon. Patients with more advanced stages may also be referred to an oncologist for further imaging studies and chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
What to Expect After Melanoma Treatment
If your melanoma was found and treated in the earliest stages of cancer before it was allowed to spread, you should be able to return to normal life after treatment (97 percent do). Cure rates for mid to late-stage melanoma are moderate, with stage 3 cancer 5-year survival rates ranging between 40 and 78 percent.
Patients with a history of melanoma have a higher risk of developing another melanoma in the future. Consistent follow-up with a melanoma specialist in Houston is one of the most important parts of long-term care, along with avoiding excessive UV exposure.
Melanoma FAQs
Should I get screened for melanoma?
Yes. Anyone can develop melanoma, including young adults and people without obvious risk factors. If you notice a new or changing spot, or if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, a professional melanoma screening in Houston is recommended.
How is melanoma diagnosed?
Melanoma is diagnosed through a skin biopsy. During this procedure, your dermatologist removes part or all of a suspicious mole and sends it to a laboratory for analysis. A biopsy is the only definitive way to confirm whether a lesion is melanoma and to determine important details such as depth and stage, which guide treatment decisions.
Is melanoma curable?
When caught early, melanoma is highly curable. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, which is why prompt evaluation by a dermatologist is critical.
Do you treat melanoma at all Elite Dermatology locations?
Yes. Our team provides melanoma care at all of our Houston-area offices, including Fulshear, Heights, Kingwood, Pearland, River Oaks, and Vintage Park.
Schedule a Consultation at Elite Dermatology
Take control of your skin health with Elite Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Our skilled dermatologists are here to help you detect, diagnose, and treat melanoma and other skin conditions with precision and care. We accept a range of insurance plans to make your care as accessible as possible. Get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation.
![Taylor Thomas [GTE] profile picture](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjV5sBObb0FMimXBuEmJjdnx5O2Omon5I6UC4AU3gn8t6DcYVp4=w64-h64-c-rp-mo-br100)
