how well do you know the ABCDEs?

Signs And Symptoms Of Skin Cancer

After living through what seemed to be the winter that would not end, I am sure many of you can hardly wait to go out into the sunshine and give summer a warm welcome. But before you soak up the rays, there are a few things you need to be aware of when it comes to the sun and your skin.

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of skin cells that lead to the formation of tumors. This can happen anywhere in your body but it is most common on sun-exposed areas. Skin cancers are generally classified as either melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers.

Different Types Of Skin Cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancers could be described as uglier but they are not as dangerous. They can present in many different ways and some people describe them as large pimples that bleed, red warts that scab, pink freckles or a bump that hurts which does not go away. You also may not even notice them. They rarely spread to other organs and they can be treated with surgery.

Melanoma, on the other hand, is the deadliest of the skin cancers and in most cases it is either an old mole that changes or a new mole that appears. These moles do not always look ugly but they always look different than normal moles. People with red hair, blue eyes and pale skin have a higher risk for melanoma, but it can happen to anybody.

What To Look For

Throughout the year, you should examine your skin head-to-toe, looking for any suspicious lesions. To help you spot melanoma, think ABCDE.

A. Asymmetry

Draw an imaginary line through the middle of your mole, the two sides will match, meaning it is symmetrical. When the two halves do not match that can be a warning sign for melanoma.

B. Borders

The borders of a melanoma can be irregular, scalloped and sometimes blurred.

C. Color six months before now

Different colors in one mole is considered a bad sign. Different shades of brown, black, and sometimes even red, white, and blue are all concerning.

Melanoma is often bigger than regular moles. It is advised to check anything bigger than a pencil eraser that is new or has any other abnormalities.

E. Evolving

Any mole that grows over time, gets elevated, changes in color, or changes in shape needs to be checked. Also anything that hurts, bleeds or itches.

Sunblock

To help prevent melanoma and protect your skin, sunblock is key. The best sunscreen to use is the one you will apply and reapply. I recommend using one with no chemical blockers. Simple ingredients such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide is all you need.

Look for an SPF 30 that blocks about 97 percent of the UV rays. Anything higher than SPF 30 will give you a slight increase in blocking UV rays, but no sunscreen will block 100 percent. Don’t skimp when applying. You should apply a shot glass (one ounce) amount on your body and a half teaspoon on your face.

Reapplying is key. People often tell me: “I had sunscreen on but I still got burnt.” When reapplied correctly, and in the correct amount, that should not happen. If you get wet or sweat make sure you reapply. Creams are better but powders and sprays when applied correctly also do the job.

Take Charge

If something does not look right tell somebody. Call your primary doctor; go to an urgent care clinic; make an appointment with your dermatologist; send a picture. Be proactive about it. Melanoma is never good but when found early it is treatable. Always make sure somebody with experience checks it.

We all want to enjoy the sun and all of the good things that come with it. You can have a great summer, just make sure you pack your sunscreen whenever you go.

DR. TANIA GONZALEZ SANTIAGO is a dermatologist practicing at Sanford Dermatology & Laser Clinic. To schedule an appointment please call 701-234-8860