Skin Cancer can affect anyone at any age. It is important to have any suspicious areas checked out by a dermatologist.
Early detection is crucial to treating melanoma. The ABCDEs are guidelines that can help you determine if you may have an area with potential cancer.
Asymmetry: Melanomas tend to be asymmetrical, meaning they are not evenly shaped.
Border: Melanomas often have irregular borders that are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color: Melanomas can be a range of colors, from tan to black, but they are usually uneven in color.
Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm).
Evolving: Melanomas can change in size, shape, or color over time.
If you notice any of these changes or have any questions, it’s best to visit a dermatologist.
Although melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is also the least common. There are other less aggressive forms of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all skin cancer cases usually appearing as a flesh-colored or white bump on the skin. It is most commonly found on areas of skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and hands. Basal cell carcinomas are slow growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body. Left untreated, they can damage surrounding tissue and cause disfigurement.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 20% of all skin cancer cases. It usually appears as a firm, red bump on the skin. It is most commonly found on areas of skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and hands. Squamous cell carcinomas can grow and spread rapidly if left untreated. However, they are usually not life threatening.
