Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer, but when caught early, it is highly treatable. At Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics in Cary, Dr. Zain Husain, MD helps patients detect melanoma early and provides expert, compassionate care every step of the way. People come from Apex, Durham, and Chapel Hill for his expertise in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A Word from Dr. Husain

“Melanoma gets a lot of attention because it can spread if ignored. But here is what I want you to know: most melanomas are found by patients or their partners, not by doctors. You know your skin better than anyone. If a mole looks different, feels different, or is changing, come see me. That one visit could save your life.”

Dr. Zain Husain, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist, Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in your skin. Unlike basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is more likely to spread to other parts of your body if not caught early.

The good news? When detected early, melanoma is almost always curable. Dr. Husain has helped patients from Raleigh, Morrisville, and across the Triangle catch melanoma early and get back to healthy skin.

Who Is at Risk for Melanoma?

You are at higher risk for melanoma if you have fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes, or if you have a history of blistering sunburns, especially as a child or teen. Tanning bed use, even just a few times, raises your risk significantly. Having many moles, especially ones that look unusual or atypical, also increases your risk, as does having a family member who has had melanoma. People with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable as well.

That said, melanoma can affect anyone, regardless of skin color or age. Dr. Husain has diagnosed melanoma in patients in their twenties and in their eighties, in fair skin and darker skin alike.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma: What to Look For

Dr. Husain teaches every patient a simple way to remember what to watch for. Look for moles that are asymmetrical, meaning one half does not match the other half. Check the borders, which should not be irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined. The color should be even, not multiple shades of brown, black, blue, red, or white. Any mole larger than a pencil eraser, about 6 millimeters, deserves attention. Most importantly, watch for moles that are evolving or changing in size, shape, or color over weeks or months.

“If you see any of these signs, don’t panic, but do make an appointment,” Dr. Husain says. “Most spots that look suspicious turn out to be harmless. But the ones that aren’t harmless, we want to catch early.”

How Is Melanoma Treated at Noor Dermatology?

Treatment depends on how deep the melanoma is and whether it has spread. Dr. Husain will walk you through every option and recommend what is best for you.

Surgical removal is the most common treatment for early melanoma. Dr. Husain removes the melanoma along with a margin of healthy skin to make sure all cancer cells are gone. Mohs micrographic surgery may be used for certain types of melanoma on the face or other sensitive areas, where Dr. Husain removes the cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope right then and there.

For more advanced melanoma, treatment may include lymph node evaluation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy. Dr. Husain will refer you to trusted specialists if needed and will stay involved in your care.

Prevention: Your Best Defense

The best way to prevent melanoma is to protect your skin from UV radiation. Dr. Husain recommends wearing broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day and reapplying every two hours if you are outside. Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and UPF clothing makes a big difference, as does seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And please, avoid tanning beds completely.

We carry a range of medical-grade sunscreens in our online store and at our Cary office. They are comfortable enough to wear every day.

 Browse our Sunscreen Collection →

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanoma

Q: Can melanoma appear in places that never see the sun?
Yes. Melanoma can develop on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, under your nails, and even inside your mouth or eyes. That is why Dr. Husain does a full body exam, not just sun exposed areas.

Q: Do darker skinned people get melanoma?
Absolutely. It is less common, but it does happen. And it is often diagnosed later because patients and even some doctors don’t expect it. Dr. Husain is trained to spot melanoma on all skin tones.

Q: How often should I get a skin check for melanoma?
Most people do great with once a year. If you have a personal or family history of melanoma, Dr. Husain may recommend every three to six months.

Q: Is a mole that has been there forever safe?
Not necessarily. Some melanomas start in existing moles, but most appear on normal looking skin. That is why the “E” for Evolving is so important. Any change in a mole, even an old one, is worth checking.

Concerned About a Spot? Let Dr. Husain Take a Look.

If you have a mole that is changing, bleeding, or just looks different, don’t wait. Most of the time it is nothing serious. But if it is melanoma, catching it early could save your life.

Call our Cary office today or request an appointment online. Dr. Husain will get you in, take a look, and give you a clear answer.

 Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics – Cary, NC
Serving Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Morrisville, Chapel Hill, and the Triangle