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Skin cancer can be notoriously difficult to notice with an untrained eye. In this article, we will review some specifics for identifying troublesome spots by examining your own skin at home. While a majority of skin cancers develop in sun-exposed areas, many grow in areas with minimal sun exposure. Ultimately, it is only through a total body skin exam by a trusted dermatologist that you can be sure.
The ABCDE Method of Identifying Melanoma
Not all skin cancers look alike. In fact, even skin cancers of the same type often look different from one another. This is due to several factors, including complexion, ethnicity, the area of the body where the cancer has formed and the unpredictable and changing nature of cancer cells.
When identifying melanoma, the best method for early detection is the ABCDE method listed below.
- Stands for Asymmetry. Moles that have an irregular shape may be a sign of melanoma.
- Stands for Borders. Scalloped, uneven, faded, or ill-defined borders can be cause for concern.
- Stands for Color. Moles that are dark, or have multiple variations of color such as red, pink, white, blue or black could be a sign of melanoma.
- Stands for Diameter. If a spot is larger than a pencil eraser, there could be concern for melanoma.
- Stands for Evolution. Moles that change in appearance, begin to itch or bleed, or become painful are all reasons for concern.
It is important to remember that melanoma can occur within an existing mole that you’ve had for many years or can grow as a completely new lesion. Some melanomas may only exhibit one or two of the criteria listed above. If you see a lesion with even ONE of the ABCDEs of melanoma, make an appointment with your dermatologist right away.
Identifying Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, accounting for 80% of all skin cancers detected each year. They develop on primarily sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, face and arms. Some basal cell carcinomas present as a pink pearly, shiny bump with tiny blood vessels, while others may look like a scaly pink patch.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and usually present as rough, dry, scaly patches, open sores, raised growths, or rapidly growing dome-shaped lesions with a crusted center.
Identifying Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is an incredibly rare form of skin cancer, with only 3,000 new cases diagnosed every year in the United States. Despite its rare nature, Merkel cell is also the deadliest form of skin cancer (3 to 5 times more deadly than melanoma). For this reason, it is vital to watch for early warning signs of this cancer, which typically present as raised, red, purple, or skin-colored pimple-like lesions.
Schedule Your Annual Skin Cancer Screening at Vanguard Skin Specialists
Although we covered some tips for self-evaluating moles and lesions at home, nothing compares to a professional skin cancer screening from your dermatologist. Not only are dermatologists experts at identifying potentially cancerous spots, they also can examine parts of your body that you might not be able to with ease.
If you have any concerns about new or changing spots, call Vanguard Skin Specialists at (719) 355-1585 or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule your skin cancer screening today.
