Don’t Miss These Warning Signs of Melanoma
If you see this on your skin, see a doctor because it may be skin cancer.
Have you ever looked down on your arm and noticed an assortment of brown spots, freckles, growths, or moles on your skin? Skin marks like these are common, but how do you know when something is harmless or when you need to get it checked out?
“Knowing how to spot the signs of skin cancer can go a long way in keeping you healthy, especially if it’s melanoma,” says Jamal Saleh MD, a PIH Health dermatologist in Whittier. Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and should be treated right away.
“Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, even in places that aren’t typically exposed to the sun,” says Dr. Saleh. In women, the most common place for melanomas to occur is on the legs. In men, it’s on the torso.
The good news is that most things you’ll see on your skin are no cause for alarm. However, being able to identify when something might be melanoma can help you get treatment as soon as possible. This is very important because the 5-year survival rate when melanoma is detected early is 99%, but the survival rate drops drastically if the disease spreads to the lymph nodes and/or other organs, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Melanoma Warning Signs
Unusual moles that may indicate melanoma. When looking for warning signs of melanoma, remember the acronym ABCDE.
- A – Asymmetry. Melanoma is not usually equal on both sides if you split it down the middle. In contrast, most benign moles are symmetrical.
- B – Border. Melanoma often has boards that are uneven. They may have notched or ragged edges. As a comparison, the edges of most benign moles are smooth and even.
- C – Color. Melanoma lesions are often more than one color or shade. But a benign mole is usually only a single shade of brown. If a mole is darker than other ones on your body, it’s also a sign that it may be melanoma. Keep in mind that some people may make pink or light colored moles. In these cases, look for changes in size, shape, etc.
- D – Diameter. If a spot or growth is the size of a pencil eraser or larger, it should be checked out. This is about a quarter inch in diameter.
- E – Evolving. If anything about a spot on your skin changes, such as the size, shape or color, it may be a sign of melanoma. If the area starts to grow, swell, itch, crust or bleed, you should get it checked by a doctor.
If you notice any of these signs, or if you see something that seems unusual, have it checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible. The earlier melanoma or any type of skin cancer is detected, the earlier it can be treated and reducing chances of further complications.
“Keep in mind that melanomas don’t look the same on everyone, and may not always follow the ABCDE rule,” says Dr. Saleh. Get in the habit of examining your skin monthly--checking your entire body and even between your toes. If there are any spots on your skin that concern you or that you’re unsure about, it’s better to be safe than sorry and have them checked out by a dermatologist.
To find a PIH Health dermatologist near you, visit PIHHealth.org/Dermatology or visit Dr. Saleh's physician profile to make an appointment with him.
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