Dermatology

CMH Dermatology Clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with dermatologic conditions, including skin cancer and skin infections. Call 417-328-4500 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Our board certified physician, Murphy Mastin, M.D., is a Fellow of the American Board of Dermatology. He trained at the prestigious Mayo Clinic Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Mastin is an expert in diagnosing and treating patients with dermatologic conditions.

Patients are seen by a dermatologist when there is concern about medical conditions that affect the skin. Care and treatment at CMH include:

• Skin cancer and precancerous growth, including melanoma
• Acne, warts and psoriasis
• Cryosurgery
• Lesion removal
• Full-body skin examinations
• Benign and malignant skin lesions
• Allergic, photo-induced and pigmentary skin disorders
• Blistering skin diseases
• Skin infections
• Atopic dermatitis

Did you know skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Though less common than other skin cancers, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. It can even be fatal if diagnosed at a late stage. But if found before it has had a chance to grow, melanoma is very treatable.

How to Spot Melanoma

Melanoma can look different on different people. Oftentimes, it's mistaken for a mole, freckle or age spot, so knowing the difference is important. To help recognize this type of skin cancer, doctors have developed some simple guidelines called the ABCDEs of melanoma. So if you find a spot on your skin and wonder if it could be melanoma, ask yourself these questions:

• Asymmetry. Does one half of the spot look different than the other?
• Border. Does it have an irregular or undefined border?
• Color. Does it have different shades of tan, brown or black, or parts that are white, red or blue?
• Diameter. How big is it? Melanomas are usually bigger than a pencil eraser, but they can be smaller.
• Evolving. Has the spot changed shape, size or color?

Get to Know your Skin

Here are six simple steps to check your body for melanoma:

1. In a full-length mirror, look over the front and back of your body, raising your arms to check your sides.
2. Closely examine your forearms, underarms and palms.
3. Check between your toes and the soles of your feet.
4. Use a hand-held mirror to help you see the back of your neck and scalp.
5. Part your hair to get a closer look at the skin on your head.
6. Lastly, use the hand-held mirror to check your back and buttocks.

While self-examination can help detect melanoma, it’s important to see a dermatologist if you have any suspicious spots. The earlier melanoma is found and treated, the better.

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