Don't Ignore It! Check that Mole! Early Detection of Skin Cancer Can Save Your Life

The simplest definition of what skin cancer is - is the abnormal growth of skin cells. This very common form of cancer can occur anywhere on your skin, but it generally most often occurs on skin that is exposed to the sun.

There are actually three main types of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma. Unfortunately all three types of skin cancer are on the rise due to excessive sun exposure and a lack of awareness of recognizing abnormal skin symptoms.

The purpose of this article is to educate the reader to the dangers of undetected skin cancers and how to recognize there is a problem and what to do about it. Early detection of skin cancer can have a very positive prognosis. Successful treatment is possible with early detection for even the most aggressive forms of skin cancer.

As mentioned skin cancer develops mainly on areas of the skin that is most exposed to the sun. This can include the often forgotten scalp, ears, lips, and neck when it comes to sun block. But also the face, chest, arms and hands and legs. But it can also be found in more unusual places such as under your fingernail on the nail-bed, or between your toes or under your toenails or even on your genitalia.

Skin cancer also shows no partiality in race. It affects people of all color and skin tone. And it doesn't keep any kind of time table. It can develop seemingly overnight or very slowly. Which in either case can cause them to sometimes be overlooked.

And all three types of skin cancer look different. It will depend on the cancer as to what it will look like. A basal cell carcinoma looks like a waxy bump on the face ears or neck. It can have the appearance of a flat flesh colored or brown scar-like area on the chest or back. This cancer is the least dangerous in that it is not likely to spread and is easiest to treat.

The squamous cell carcinoma is also easily treated if it is detected early. It will spread if left undisturbed. It looks like a red nodule on the face, lips, ears, neck, hands or arms. Or it can have a flat scaly or crusty surface.

Melanoma is the most serious of the skin cancers. It is the one that causes most of the skin cancer related deaths. It can develop anywhere on the body. It can start in perfectly normal looking skin or it can start in an existing mole that turns malignant. It actually most often shows up on the trunk, head or neck of men and in women most often on the arms and legs.

If you have moles or if a close relative has a lot of moles you should examine your body at least monthly. The only moles you need to be concerned with are moles that look odd, look different from all the rest of your moles. Also moles that show up after you are 20 years or older.

You should always be aware of any change in the appearance of a mole. Especially if you notice a mole bleeding, itching, oozing, or they turn scaley, or if there is any associated tenderness or outright pain.

Stand in front of a bathroom or full length mirror. Use a hand mirror to assist you in being able to see all parts of your body. Have a spouse or trusted friend to help you with the exam if you are concerned.

You must learn to recognize the ABCDE's of your moles.

Web MD has an excellent slideshow that gives you all the signs and symptoms of the ABCDE's and all the different kinds of skin cancers. I want you to go there a check out the photos and get into your mind just what it is you are looking for. There was no reason to try to recreate this when they have done a spectacular job of it. The link is at the end of this article.

You want to get familiar with the moles that are already on your body. If your moles do not change over time you don't have to be concerned about them. It is a good idea if you are a person with many moles to make a map of your moles. Just draw pictures of the location of your moles and any notes you want to keep so you can recognize any change the next time you examine yourself for any changes, or anything new.

So here are the ABCDE's of important recognition of the condition of any moles that you may have. If one of your moles gives you any of these ABCDE's have it checked by a dermatologist immediately.

A - asymmetry - each half of the mole should look the same one to the other. Webb MD suggests you draw a line down the center and compare the halves.

B - Border - They should not be ragged, blurred or irregular. "Normal" moles cam be flat or raised or may begin flat and become raised over time. The surface is typically smooth. Normal moles are round or oval and no larger than a pencil eraser. Most moles develop in youth or young adulthood. It's unusual to acquire a mole in the adult years. So anything after 20 years could be suspicious.

C - Color - the mole is more than one color or has changed color. It can include tan, brown, black, blue, white or red. "Normal" moles are usually one shade of color.

D - Diameter - The diameter of a mole is larger than a pencil eraser. Benign moles are less than 6 mm's in diameter.

E - Elevation - The mole appears elevated or raised up from the skin. Melanoma lesions often grow in size or change in height rapidly.

If It's new...Get a Clue!

Never trust a new mole. If one pops up after you are 20 years old. Have it checked.

How to Check For Abnormalities

It is better to check your skin after a shower while your skin is wet.

Check every part of your skin from head to toe and in-between toes as well. Include front and back and all around. And don't forget that skin cancer can appear under your finger and toe nails. Also your groin, genitalia, soles of your feet, back of the knees.

Use a hand held mirror while you stand in front of your bathroom or full length mirror. Ask a spouse or trusted friend to help you.

Track the moles on your body. Draw a map or take a photo. Include a date to be able to monitor change.

We are warned that any time your body is gong through hormonal changes or surges be particularly aware, such as during pregnancy, menopause or during the teen years.

What if You Find Something Suspicious?

Treatment is very straight forward in the case of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Get rid of it. Usually in these two types of cancers surgical removal is sufficient.

Malignant melanoma is more serious and will require a combination of treatments. Not just surgery but also radiation therapy and even chemotherapy.

Because of the complexity of these treatments, it would be beneficial to see several physicians including a dermatologist, a cancer surgeon, and an oncologist.

In conclusion

If you take anything from this article, take this. Check yourself and check yourself often. Get familiar with what is on your skin and notice if it changes. If it changes get to your doctor. Have it checked.

Remember, early detection and treatment of even the most aggressive skin cancer can be successfully treated.

Sources:

WebMD skin cancer slideshow
WebMD
MayoClinic.com
emedicinehealth.com