Things to Know When You’re Diagnosed With Melanoma, With Jesse Lewin, M.D.

Hearing the word melanoma can be overwhelming. But according to Jesse Lewin, M.D., system chief of Dermatologic & Cosmetic Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, it’s important to remember that not all melanomas are the same — and many are highly treatable.

Early Detection Makes a Big Difference

Melanoma is a heterogeneous disease, meaning it comes in different stages and forms. “Many patients are diagnosed with early-stage melanomas, like Stage 0 (melanoma in situ) or thin Stage 1 melanomas,” says Lewin. These early types are usually treated successfully with surgery alone.

How Melanoma Is Staged

Melanoma staging is based on how deep the cancer cells grow into the skin. Doctors measure this depth, called the Breslow depth, to help guide treatment decisions.

• Stage 0 (melanoma in situ): Only in the top layer of skin
• Stage 1A and 1B: Slightly deeper but still localized
• Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs or lymph nodes

“Most early melanomas don’t require scans or major tests — just surgery with clear margins,” says Lewin.

Treatment Options

For melanomas on sensitive areas like the face, lips or eyelids, Lewin often uses Mohs micrographic surgery with special staining techniques to ensure the cancer is fully removed while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

For melanoma on other parts of the body, a simple outpatient surgery (called excision) often removes the cancer effectively.

Sun Safety and Skin Monitoring

Preventing future skin cancers is key. Lewin recommends the following:

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), reapplied every two hours
• Protective clothing, wide-brim hats and sun avoidance during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Regular full-body skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist
• Self-checks using the ABCDEs of melanoma:
  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Color variation
  • Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
  • Evolution or change

“If you’ve had melanoma, you should be seen by a dermatologist every three to four months,” says Lewin.

Stay informed, don’t panic and partner with your dermatologist. Early detection and proper care can save lives.

5 Things to Know When You’re Diagnosed With Melanoma:

• Not all melanomas are the same: Many are caught early and are highly treatable with surgery alone.
• Early detection = better outcomes: Thin, early-stage melanomas have excellent survival rates.
• Sun safety is key: Wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) and protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours.
• Regular skin checks are essential: See a board-certified dermatologist for full-body exams every three to four months after diagnosis.
• Know the ABCDEs: Watch your skin for Asymmetry, Border changes, Color changes, Diameter over 6 millimeters, and Evolution (change over time).