The harmful effects of overexposure to the sun are widely known. Thanks to greater public awareness, many people are now taking greater precautions and preventative measures to protect themselves. Still, the rate of skin cancer diagnoses, particularly melanoma, is rapidly increasing in the United States.

A new study has found, however, that doctors may be over-diagnosing melanoma in sun-damaged skin, potentially leading to unnecessary surgery, deformity, or complications. Current techniques seek to remove the damaged tissue in increments, but overly cautious doctors usually end up removing too much causing additional trauma to the skin.

“There are many uncertainties in medicine. In many instances, these uncertainties lead to overly aggressive treatments,” said Dr. Ali Hendi, lead investigator of the Mayo Clinic study.

Dr. Hendi and his team of researchers conducted the study to establish criteria by which to distinguish between non-cancerous sun-damaged skin from melanoma. The findings – based on the examination of 132 randomly selected patients – were significant.

“To be able to look in the microscope and have a measurement by which to determine successful removal of melanoma in situ (early on) is something we've hoped for quite a while,” said Dr. Hendi.

In light of the research, surgeons may be able to stop removing tissue much earlier, thereby reducing unnecessary skin trauma. The team of researchers recommends that doctors begin using their findings as a basis for melanoma diagnosis and tissue removal.

According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma accounts for 4 percent of diagnosed skin cancers but almost all of the deaths. Non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Interested in diminishing the signs of sun damage? Please contact us to speak with an experienced cosmetic surgeon.