May is melanoma awareness month. At Skin Wellness Center we take skin cancer seriously and it’s important to know the signs and symptoms to look out for on your body. Once you know what to look for, detecting melanoma is simple. Here are the ABCDEs to know:
A – Asymmetrical Shape
A melanoma lesion will look different than a typical mole; one side of the lesion will typically look different than the other. This asymmetry is a potential sign of irregularity.
B – Border
Non-cancerous moles and lesions typically have smooth, defined borders. A melanoma lesion may have an irregular border or hard to define border.
C – Color
Non-cancerous, benign lesions are traditionally are only one color (brown or tan). If you notice that a lesion or mole has multiple colors (brown, purple, black, etc.) this may be a sign of irregularity.
D – Diameter
The size of a lesion matters. Traditionally a non-cancerous lesion is less than 6 millimeters (smaller than the size of a pencil eraser). Anything bigger than that is a sign that the lesion or mole may be irregular.
E – Evolution (or change)
One of the most important factors to look for is any change in a mole or lesion. Knowing what your skin spots typically look like can help you to identify any alarming factors. A shift in color, texture, or size can indicate that something is wrong.
Additionally, if a spot itches or bleeds it’s also important to see a medical provider immediately. Checking yourself and your loved ones could help to save a life. Be sure to schedule regular checkups with your dermatologist, and to always stay aware of new moles and lesions. Give us a call to learn more: (727) 545-3376.