Dr. Ted Kouzov is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Atracare, providing evidence-based, prevention-focused primary care with a lifestyle-medicine approach.
Melanoma & Skin Cancer: What Delaware Beachgoers Need to Know
Prepared by Atracare | Urgent & Preventive Care in Sussex County
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States—and Delaware’s beach-loving community is especially at risk. Whether you’re soaking up sun in Rehoboth or strolling the boardwalk in Bethany, knowing the signs of melanoma and other skin cancers can save your life.
At Atracare, we’re here to help you understand the risks, recognize warning signs, and get the expert care you need.
What Is Melanoma Skin Cancer?
Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer that starts when melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells responsible for your skin color—begin growing uncontrollably.
Though less common than basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanoma is more dangerous because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body if not caught early.
Where Do Skin Cancers Start?
All skin cancers begin in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. This layer contains three key types of cells:
- Squamous cells: Flat cells on the skin’s surface that are constantly shed.
- Basal cells: These form new squamous cells and are found in the lower layer of the epidermis.
- Melanocytes: These produce melanin—the pigment that protects deeper skin layers from UV damage—and are the cells where melanoma begins.
When skin cancer advances, it can break through the basement membrane and invade deeper layers of the skin.
Types of Melanoma Skin Cancer
Not all melanomas look the same. Here are the most common types:
Superficial Spreading Melanoma
- The most common type (about 70%)
- Often starts in a mole
- Grows outward along the skin before penetrating deeper
- Usually appears as a flat, changing dark spot
Nodular Melanoma
- Makes up about 20% of melanomas
- Appears as a raised, firm bump
- Often black, brown, red, or pink
- Grows vertically and deeply early on—can be more dangerous if missed
Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
- Often found in older adults
- Starts as a large, flat, sun-damaged spot (usually on the face or arms)
- Tends to grow slowly before becoming invasive
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
- Occurs on palms, soles, or under nails
- More common in people with darker skin
- Often overlooked due to its hidden location
Melanomas Beyond the Skin
While most melanomas are found on the skin, they can also develop in:
- The eye (ocular melanoma)
- Mucous membranes (mouth, nose, throat, genitals)
These non-skin melanomas are rare but require specialized care.
Other Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Most common skin cancer in the U.S.
- Grows slowly and rarely spreads
- Often appears as a pearly bump or open sore
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Second most common
- May look like a red, scaly patch or sore
- Can grow deeper if untreated
These two are known as non-melanoma skin cancers and are typically less aggressive but still require treatment.
Spotting Melanoma: The ABCDE Rule
Early detection is your best defense. Use the ABCDEs to monitor your skin for signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- Border: Irregular, jagged, or blurred edges
- Color: Multiple colors or uneven tone
- Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm)
- Evolving: Any change in shape, size, color, or behavior
Have a suspicious spot? Don’t wait. Schedule a skin check at Atracare.
Who’s at Risk?
You may be at higher risk for melanoma if you have:
- Fair skin or light eyes
- A history of sunburns or tanning bed use
- A large number of moles or atypical moles
- Family history of melanoma
- A weakened immune system
While melanoma is more common in people with lighter skin, people of all skin tones can develop melanoma—especially on the palms, soles, or under nails.
What About Moles and Benign Tumors?
Most moles are non-cancerous, but some can turn into melanoma. Types of benign skin growths include:
- Spitz nevi: Can look like melanoma, especially in kids
- Seborrheic keratoses: Waxy, “stuck-on” spots
- Lipomas: Soft fatty lumps
- Warts and hemangiomas: Generally harmless but may need removal if irritated
Atracare’s providers can help determine what’s normal and what isn’t.
References:
Sunburn and Skin Cancer: A Direct Link to Melanoma
A sunburn isn’t just temporary redness—it’s a visible sign of DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This damage triggers inflammation and cell death, and over time, it can permanently alter the genetic structure of skin cells, increasing your risk of cancer.
According to research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, UVB radiation specifically contributes to mutations in tumor suppressor genes, which can initiate the development of skin cancers like melanoma.
The Skin Cancer Foundation emphasizes:
- Just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can double your risk of developing melanoma later in life.
- Five or more sunburns throughout your life increases your risk of all types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)【source: SkinCancer.org】.
Delaware Beachgoers, Take Note:
- UV rays bounce off sand and water, increasing exposure even under umbrellas.
- 80% of UV radiation can still penetrate on cloudy days.
- Combined exposure to sun, saltwater, and sand creates ideal conditions for serious skin damage.
Bottom line? Sunburns are more than painful—they’re a warning sign of deeper cellular damage that can lead to cancer. If you’ve experienced frequent sunburns, especially in early life, make regular skin screenings a priority. Atracare’s expert providers can help catch early changes before they become serious.
References:
- Sunburns and Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma: Does Age Matter? A Comprehensive Meta-analysis
- Sunburn & Your Skin – Skin Cancer Foundation
How to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer
Smart Sun Safety Tips
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating
Use hats, UPF clothing, and sunglasses
Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM
Perform Monthly Skin Checks
- Use mirrors or a partner to inspect hard-to-see areas
- Track moles or spots using photos or an app
- Make note of new or changing lesions
American Cancer Society. What Is Melanoma Skin Cancer? Accessed August 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/what-is-melanoma.htm
How to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer
Smart Sun Safety Tips
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating
- Use hats, UPF clothing, and sunglasses
- Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM
Perform Monthly Skin Checks
- Use mirrors or a partner to inspect hard-to-see areas
- Track moles or spots using photos or an app
- Make note of new or changing lesions
When to See Atracare
If you notice anything suspicious or have a family history of skin cancer, book a skin screening with Atracare. We offer:
- Full-body skin exams
- Biopsies and mole removals
- Follow-up care and dermatologist referrals
Our clinics in Sussex County provide fast, professional evaluations—because early detection saves lives.
Your Skin Deserves Expert Care
Skin cancer can be scary, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Atracare is your trusted partner for:
- Urgent care
- Preventive screenings
- Expert skin evaluations year-round
Get Seen. Get Better. Get On Your Way.
Experiencing a medical issue or urgent need? Atracare is here to help.
📍Visit Atracare – Open 365 Days a Year
🚶 Walk-ins Welcome | ⏱️ Short Wait Times | 🧑⚕️ Expert Care You Can Trust
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