What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer.
Nearly all skin cancers can be treated effectively if they are found early, so knowing what to look for is important.
The Dangers of Skin Cancer
People can have stages of skin cancer and yet not feel ill, which makes early treatment and diagnosis a little challenging. But by being aware of the early stages of this disease, you can protect yourself and seek effective treatment right away. Do you have scaly patches, raised growths, or sores that do not heal?
The Early Stages of Skin Cancer
Some forms of cancer, especially melanoma, may appear suddenly and without warning. Most people become alarmed only when they develop a crust or sore that refuses to heal. Did you know that the early stages of cancer do not always look or feel so bad? Harmless-looking moles, skin lesions, or unusual skin growths may also be the signs of early stages.
Regular skin examination can help you spot these early clues. If you see anything suspicious or observe unusual appearances in your skin, we can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment immediately. Some forms of cancer in the skin can be life-threatening and spread without being given urgent attention.
Spot Skin Cancer At Home
Learn the ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer
Learning the ABCDEs of skin cancer is important in identifying, treating and preventing skin cancer. People can look for signs of skin cancer in moles or skin lesions using these letters, and a self skin exam is quick, easy and free.
A is for Asymmetry: One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
B is for Border: The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
C is for Color: The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.
D is for Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
E is for Evolving: The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
Where Skin Cancer Develops
Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day — your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails, and your genital area.
Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. When melanoma occurs in people with dark skin tones, it’s more likely to occur in areas not normally exposed to the sun, such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Make an appointment with us if you notice any changes to your skin that worry you. Not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer. We will investigate your skin changes to determine a cause.
