Specialized Tests for Melanoma

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), melanoma rates in the United States have doubled over the past two decades. Luckily, though, this increase has been accompanied by the development of more effective tools for diagnosis and treatment, including genetic and molecular testing. In some cases, these tests can yield valuable information that helps… Continue reading Specialized Tests for Melanoma

Specialized Tests for Melanoma Diagnosis & Treatment

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, information provided by Emily Y. Chu, MD, PhD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology, and pathology and laboratory medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, genetic and molecular testing can provide valuable information for doctors OVERVIEW Melanoma rates in the United States have doubled over the past two decades.1 Fortunately for… Continue reading Specialized Tests for Melanoma Diagnosis & Treatment

FDA Proposing New Tanning-Bed Regulations

There are many risks from indoor tanning devices: Using sunlamp products such as indoor tanning beds or booths exposes you to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and increases your risk of eye injury, skin damage, and skin cancer—including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Due to these risks, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) already requires indoor… Continue reading FDA Proposing New Tanning-Bed Regulations

Antioxidant Supplements Cause Malignant Melanoma to Metastasize Faster

Research at Sahlgrenska Academy of University of Gothenburg in Germany has found that antioxidant supplements can double the rate of melanoma metastasis in mice. The results reinforce previous findings that antioxidants hasten the progression of lung cancer. According to Professor Martin Bergö, people with cancer or an elevated risk of developing the disease should avoid… Continue reading Antioxidant Supplements Cause Malignant Melanoma to Metastasize Faster

Melanoma: What You Need to Know

Although skin cancer isn’t of as much concern to people as better known and more serious cancers such as those of the breast and colon, it can be very serious – especially in its most dangerous form, melanoma. Here, from the American Academy of Dermatology, is what you need to know about the illness that… Continue reading Melanoma: What You Need to Know

Sun and Water Safety Tips for Summer

Summer is a season when outdoor activity increases. Unfortunately, so can the number of skin cancers. There are more cases of skin cancer each year than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. In fact, of the seven most common cancers, melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is the only type of cancer… Continue reading Sun and Water Safety Tips for Summer

Your Nails and Your Health

Although we often think of nails primarily in terms of cosmetics, they often reflect a number of health conditions. According to the American Association of Dermatologists, changes in the nail, such as discoloration or thickening, can signal health problems including liver and kidney diseases, heart and lung conditions, anemia and diabetes. And nail growth is… Continue reading Your Nails and Your Health

Best Sun-Safety Tips

Heat stroke and sun poisoning are huge problems in the summer when temperatures often go above 100 degrees and people spend too much time outside.  In fact, if you saw the premiere of NBC’s new reality show The Island, Dr. Buck Parker, a trauma surgeon and one of the stars of the show, had to… Continue reading Best Sun-Safety Tips