Who doesn’t love having their hair washed and conditioned? Our clients continually compliment the deeply relaxing, “float away” feeling they enjoy when in the hands of our professional shampoo team. Now there’s one more reason for you to relish this experience: your shampoo may reveal the first-line detection of scalp melanoma.
Melanoma is an exceptionally dangerous skin cancer, and scalp melanomas tend to be more deadly than other forms of the disease. Derived from melanocytes, the skin’s pigment cells, melanoma can spread quickly through your lymph nodes or bloodstream. Research finds that people with scalp and neck melanomas die from the disease at nearly twice the rate of people with melanomas elsewhere on the body. Even though only six percent of all skin cancer patients have lesions on their scalps or necks, they account for 10 percent of all melanoma deaths. Pretty alarming.
Why are scalp melanomas so dangerous? One reason is that early detection – which can slow or halt metastasizing – is complicated by the fact that the effected area is typically hidden by hair; you and I can’t easily examine our own scalps. In addition, there’s a growing belief that the biology of the scalp itself may contribute to the problem. The scalp is vascularized with numerous blood vessels and its lymphatic drainage is varied and complex. Melanoma in this location can also easily spread to the brain, which is usually more life threatening.
Shampoo professionals – as well as stylists – can be instrumental in the all-important early detection of scalp melanoma; they have a natural view of your head’s difficult-to-see areas. They see also see their clients on a regular basis and may strike up health-related discussions on diet, sun exposure, fitness, and medical concerns. Next time you’re leaning back in the shampoo chair at Andre Chreky, or enjoying your stylist’s prep work, ask our team members to take a close look at your scalp. They’ll look for any bumps, moles, or discoloration and will gladly snap a phone-photo for you to bring to your dermatologist for further diagnosis. Just one more reason to rest easy when you visit our salon!
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