At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. And since roughly 90 percent of skin cancer is caused by overexposure to the sun, it’s crucial to use sunscreen and protective clothing to keep your skin safe.
It’s also important to practice monthly skin checks so you can detect any changes in moles, blemishes, or other unusual spots early and see your doctor.
To complete an effective skin check, remember your ABCDEs.
- Asymmetry. If the mole is asymmetrical, that is a red flag. Moles are typically symmetrical in shape, while melanomas are often uneven.
- Border. Is the border of the mole clear and well-defined? If it’s jagged, irregular, or “blurry,” this is a sign that it could be melanoma.
- Color. Most normal moles are one solid color, while melanomas can have more than one color or may have varying shades.
- Diameter. How large is the mole? Melanomas are frequently larger than a quarter inch.
- Evolving. Moles usually remain the same size, shape, and color – melanomas may change.
Another important tip? Keep an eye out for “the ugly duckling.”
Moles on your body will usually look very similar to each other. So if there’s one that looks unusual compared to the others, it may be melanoma. If you practice frequent skin checks and become familiar with your moles and their typical characteristics, it will be easier to identify an ugly duckling.
Never hesitate to see your healthcare provider for skin concerns.
With skin cancer, early detection and treatment is key. Make an appointment right away if you notice:
- New spots, lesions, or persistent marks
- Any mole that displays the ABCDE characteristics
- An ugly duckling mole
- Any mole or spot that concerns you
Types of skin cancer.
There are three main types of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It’s also the least deadly. Often occurring on sun-exposed areas of the skin, basal cell carcinoma is most frequently diagnosed in patients with light hair, fair skin, and blue, green, or grey, eyes.
Basal cell carcinoma may appear as an open sore; a reddish patch; a small, shiny lump; a growth with an elevated border and central indentation; or a bump that looks like a scar. It may bleed, develop a crust, heal, and then bleed again. Although these tumors grow slowly, they can become very large and penetrate deeply under your skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancer. It can be extremely dangerous if neglected or left untreated, as it can spread under the skin into the lymph nodes and internal organs.
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a bump; a red, scaly growth; or a skin ulcer.
Melanoma is the least common but most serious form of skin cancer. It frequently develops on the upper back of both men and women, as well as on the lower legs in women. It can also occur on the face, scalp, fingers, toes, and other areas of the body.
Melanoma typically appears as a dark brown or black mole with uneven borders and irregular colors like blue, red, or white. There is a rare form of melanoma that occurs in families with unusual or atypical moles, so we may recommend mole removal to avoid problems.
Please schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists to examine any irregular moles or moles that have changed size, color, or shape. If any moles itch, crust over, bleed or become painful, that would be another reason to be seen.
Skin cancer treatment
Our dermatologists will recommend a treatment plan based on the type of cancer, its location, and your general health. In most cases, we will biopsy the suspicious growth by taking a small piece to examine under a microscope.
Once cancer is diagnosed, there are several treatment options available, including surgical removal of the growth, Mohs micrographic surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
We are here to help you understand your options and your treatment plan so you can focus on healing well and living well.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 321.361.5606.