{"id":77942,"date":"2013-05-08T08:00:45","date_gmt":"2013-05-08T12:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=77942"},"modified":"2014-01-15T15:16:51","modified_gmt":"2014-01-15T20:16:51","slug":"know-your-moles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2013\/05\/know-your-moles\/","title":{"rendered":"Know Your Moles"},"content":{"rendered":"
[yframe url=’http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x6Xa88J0JcI&list=PLE711F5D29EC394DB’]<\/div>\n

If you have skin, you\u2019re at risk for melanoma. Even so, 76 percent of Americans have not had a skin cancer check by a dermatologist.<\/p>\n

Skin screening is crucial since melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) is curable when caught in the beginning, treatable stages.<\/p>\n

At UConn Health Center, dermatologists use a range of technologies to track and visualize changes within the skin, including changes on the cellular level.<\/p>\n

In honor of Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month\u00ae\u00a0MelaFind\u00ae sessions are FREE with a scheduled visit on\u00a0May 29.
\n<\/strong>
\nTo make an appointment:<\/em>
\nCall 860-679-4600
\nUConn Health Center
\n21 South Road, Second Floor
\nFarmington<\/div>\n

Recently, the Health Center became the first dermatology practice in the region to introduce the use of MelaFind,<\/b> a computer-aided technology that allows dermatologists to see below the skin, evaluate lesions in 3D imaging and determine if a biopsy is necessary.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an amazing technology that can look through the skin and identify the telltale signs of melanoma,\u201d says Dr. Jane Grant-Kels<\/a>, chair of the Department of Dermatology<\/a> at the UConn Health Center. \u201cWith this technology, patients can be spared needless biopsies. Ultimately, that is easier on patients, as even a small incision can result in pain, scarring or embarrassing bandages.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melanoma Most Deadly <\/b><\/h2>\n

<\/b>All types of skin cancer are serious, though melanoma is the most deadly. Early detection is critical.<\/b><\/p>\n

Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal, or “ugly looking.”<\/p>\n

Thinking of “ABCDE” can help you remember what to watch for:<\/p>\n