Spot Skin Cancer With the ABCDE's of Melanoma - James Goydos MD

S P O T S K I N C A N C E R The importance of monthly skin checks 5 skin symptoms to look out for

W I T H

T H E

A B C D E ' S

O F M E L A N O M A

L E A R N Y O U R

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O F M E L A N O M A The ABCDE rule is a handy way of recognizing the warning signs of melanoma.

SPOT SKIN CANCER

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THE ABCDE'S OF MELANOMA THE ABCDE RULE IS A HANDY WAY OF RECOGNIZING THE WARNING SIGNS OF MELANOMA.

When was the last time you thought

The ABCDE rule is a handy way of

of your ABC’s? Kindergarten? What if I

recognizing the warning signs of

told you they were still relevant? No, I

melanoma.

don’t mean the basics of the alphabet, but I do mean the basics of

Looking out for the warning of signs

understanding how to identify the

of melanoma means being aware of

warning signs of melanoma. You’ll

the

have to add a few letters, but bear

monitoring often. Be sure to self-

with me. Trust me, it’s worth your

monitor your skin at least once a

time.Following the ABCDE’s of

month. Don’t wait for that next

melanoma may just save your life.So

appointment with the dermatologist.

What Are They?

The more information you can bring

what

to

look

out

for,

and

to your Doctor, the better. This is one easy way to take health back in your own hands. And it may just save your life.

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SPOT SKIN CANCER

A

STANDS FOR 'ASYMMETRY'

Look out for signs that one half of a spot on your skin is not like the other. If one half of a mole is dissimilar from another, take note. Monitor regularly, and speak to your doctor about any changes.

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SPOT SKIN CANCER

B

STANDS FOR 'BORDER'

If there is a spot on your skin that has an irregular or jagged border, be aware. Irregularly-bordered skin lesions can be a warning sign of melanoma.

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SPOT SKIN CANCER

C

STANDS FOR 'COLOR'

Spot any spots that have different colors in different areas. This can indicate skin lesions that are important to monitor. Speak with your doctor about any changes in color you see.

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SPOT SKIN CANCER

D

STANDS FOR 'DIAMETER'

If a skin lesion is around 6mm, or around the size of a pea or a pencil eraser, this can be a warning sign of melanoma. Although melanomas may be smaller or greater in diameter, so be aware of any lesions and speak with your doctor about any irregularities in your skin.

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SPOT SKIN CANCER

E

STANDS FOR 'EVOLVING'

Look for evolving skin shape, size, or color. If the spot on your skin changes, or looks different than the surrounding skin, this could be a warning sign of melanoma. Monitor often to look for differences over time. Speak to your doctor about any changes.

Early detection may save your life!