Know the ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

Here’s a frightening fact: Up to 50 percent of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will get at least one case of skin cancer. The main types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They can be new growths or precancerous lesions. The good news is that skin cancer can be cured if it’s treated in its early stages. 

At Dermatology for the Family, our friendly staff is dedicated to caring for you and your entire family’s dermatological health. We take the time to create a personalized treatment for each patient and offer a wide range of services. Our goal is to make your visit with us an extremely pleasant one and to send you home with healthy and beautiful skin. 

Skin cancer can be cured if it’s treated early. Treating it early means finding it early. Here are what’s called the ABCDEs of skin cancer. Knowing them could save your life. 

A = Asymmetry

Normal moles are symmetrical. You should suspect trouble when one half doesn’t look the same as the other half. 

B = border

Moles whose edges are irregular, blurred or ragged deserve suspicion. Uneven borders are particularly common in melanoma lesions. 

C = Color

The surfaces of most standard moles are the same color throughout. Moles that aren’t one color all over or that include shades of red, white, blue, black, tan or brown are abnormal. So are moles that have gotten lighter or darker. 

D = Diameter

There’s reason for trepidation if a mole’s width and/or breadth is bigger than the eraser of a pencil. 

E = Evolving

Be concerned if a mole or an area of it is changing in size (becoming smaller or larger), height or color, or if it starts to bleed or itch. Melanomas frequently get bigger quickly. 

You can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer by limiting your exposure to the sun, monitoring your skin for new growths and using generous amounts of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. 

The care you’ll receive at Dermatology for the Family is focused on providing a comfortable and relaxing environment while giving you superior treatment. Our elite team has the unparalleled knowledge, ability and focus to carry out and fulfill your dermatological needs. Our goal is to offer a clear picture of your options and deliver the results you expect. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.