Identifying Skin Cancer

 

The fist step in fighting and preventing melanoma is by practicing sun safety along with preforming skin checks monthly.  Your skin checks are done by checking every part of your body – including the areas not exposed to the sun (yes, your genitals, between toes and bottom of feet). Look for any changing, growing or new spots that have appeared.   Melanoma can show up anywhere on your body as a flat spot or a raised lesion.  The American Academy of Dermatology has created a body mole map that allows for documentation of those monthly skin exams. Identifying melanoma is as easy as ABCDE.*

​

Other Skin cancer such as Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma may appear as a non healing, growing, pink, ulcerated or crusty area. If you have any areas of concern make an appointment with a local Dermatologist. They will also give you guidelines as to how often you should have your skin checked by a professional. 

                         

A:  Asymmetrical

The mole does not have sides that match if you were to draw a line through it.

​

B:  Border

The border is uneven. Can have scalloped edges, pac_man or tad pole appearance. 

​

C:  Color

The mole has changed color or has multiple colors. "The ugly ducking appearance"

​

D:  Diameter

The mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser.

 

E:  Evolving

The mole has changed in some way.