Most skin cancer types are destructive cancerous growth of the skin. They originate from the cells of the epidermis, the skin’s superficial layer. Unlike cutaneous malignant melanoma, the vast majority of these sorts of skin cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
These 5 letters of the alphabet will help you recognize the warning signs of melanoma
A_ Asymmetry. Melanoma is asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don’t match, so it looks different from a round to oval and symmetrical common mole.
B_ Border. Melanomas borders tend to be uneven and may have notched or scalloped edges, while common moles have smoother, more even borders.
C_ Color. Multiple colors are a warning sign. When moles are usually a single shade of brown, melanomas may have different shades of brown, tan, or black. The more it grows, the colors turn red, white, or blue
D_ Diameter or Dark. it’s ideal to detect a melanoma when it is small, it’s a warning sign if a lesion is the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm, or ¼ inch in diameter) or larger. Some experts say it is also important to look for any lesion, no matter what size, that is darker than others. Rare, amelanotic melanomas are colorless.
E_ Evolving. Any change in shape, size, color, or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any symptom such as bleeding, crusting, or itching may be a warning sign of melanoma.
If you notice these signs or anything NEW, or UNUSUAL on your skin see a dermatologist immediately.
No matter the risk, examine your skin head-to-toe once a month to identify potential skin cancers early. Note existing moles or lesions that grow or change. When in doubt, see a dermatologist. Melanoma can be very dangerous once it advances, follow your instincts and contact a dermatologist if you see a spot that doesn’t seem right.
Contact Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, Charlotte’s top Ballantyne and Blakeney Dermatologist, for your dermatology care.