[Newbiesaukee]

This is a wonderful story and, as a retired dermatologist/ dermatological surgeon, I can say that I had many patients referred to me by hairdressers, cosmetologists, massage therapists and others who noted something suspicious on their client's skin.

I do not know anything about Paul's specific melanoma but to use a common phrase, this is a teachable moment.

Melanoma is a common skin cancer. There may be a genetic component but sun exposure clearly plays a role. In particular, sunburns in child hood are a specific risk factor, so blistering once a year after a long NH winter is not a good idea.

Most melanomas do not develop in preexisting moles.
Most melanomas are flat dark spots when they begin.
Most melanomas develop in more fair skinned people in sun exposed areas.
Most melanomas are present and curable for several years before they spread and are potentially fatal.
A peculiar early symptom of melanoma is itching in the area of the cancer.

BUT, there are exceptions to all that I stated above.

So what is the lesson? Each of us should be aware of what is on our skin so that we will know if there are any new growths or changes in old skin growths. Anywhere on the body...if you can't see it yourself, enlist a friend.

If you notice anything new or different it should be examined by a professional and, if there is any question, biopsied.

Finally, in answer to FLL's somewhat indelicate question:

The earlier a melanoma is detected, the cheaper it is to treat. Most early melanomas can be treated with relatively simple office surgery with a local anesthetic. In today's prices, the charge in my office for the surgery and the outside lab pathology fee would have been about seven hundred dollars. But this would depend on location size,etc.

Evaluation and treatment for more advanced cases will easily be in the thousands and sometimes much more.

Early detection and treatment does save lives and it is cheaper.

My best wishes are with our Rattlesnake friends.