Melanoma Gets 3D Technological Advancement

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to recent ABC news story a new 3-D medical device may help detect melanoma sooner. According to the news story every eight minutes, someone in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma. Early detection is the single most effective action we can take since there is no cure for melanoma. Studies prove that when caught early, melanoma can be prevented from causing serious harm including death. With a recent discovery, surgery to discover melanoma is going 3D. Makers of a new device claim that by using their technology, surgeons can see the tumor as well as the surrounding blood vessels. Photoacoustic tomography uses laser light and sound waves to create a 3D image of the cancer inside the body. Tiny gold nanocages show a stark difference between malignant and normal tissue. For more aggressive melanoma, doctors are in the testing stages of using a new compound that triggers cancer cells to implode.” What we manage to do is trick them into thinking they are being attacked or infected by a virus, said Dr. Maria Soengas, a dermatologist at the Spanish National Cancer Center Research Institute in Madrid, Spain. These technological advances are promising. In Southern California where sun exposure is an issue year-round melanoma should be on the radar for most residents. Patients are advised to have regular skin care checkups to spot any suspicious changes in the skin. Dr. Kim advises his patients to avoid excessive sun exposure and to use sunscreen everyday. Medical grade skin care products are available through his practice as well as medical grade skin care treatments. Dr. Kim reminds his patients that the sun is also responsible for much of the premature aging that appears on the face. Botox injections help with the lines that are easily formed on the forehead from squinting as a result of the sun, and also treat the crows feet around the outer corners of the eyes that also develop. Patients should also not rule out the possibility of a facelift and browlift for the best long-term results. Healthy skin, regular skin care, and proper cosmetic enhancements help patients to look and feel their best at any age.