Melanoma-in-situ is skin cancer in the very early stages, when it affects only the top layers of skin and has not spread deeper into the body. When cancer is diagnosed at this early stage, it means that it is less likely to recur or spread to other parts of the body.
Who is at risk for melanoma-in-situ?
A person is at risk for developing melanoma-in-situ if:
- they have fair skin
- spend prolonged periods of time exposed to natural or artificial sunlight
- have a history of many sunburns (especially as a child or teenager)
- have several moles
- have a family history of unusual moles
- have a family or personal history of melanoma
- have a weakened immune system
- have changes in genes linked to melanoma
Although having fair or white skin is a risk factor for melanoma, anyone can have melanoma, including those with dark skin. Melanoma can also occur anywhere on the body.
Treatment for melanoma-in-situ
The treatment for melanoma-in-situ is an outpatient procedure, performed in a medical dermatology office, in which the melanoma is cut out of the skin. Doctors refer to this procedure as resecting or excising. Contact any one of our Orange County dermatology offices to learn more about our treatment for melanoma-in-situ and other types of skin cancer.
