It Pays Knowing Your ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

Majority of the moles present on an individual’s body appear alike each other. Moles or freckles that appear dissimilar to the others present on the body or which have a diameter more than six mms or any features of the ABCDE’s of melanoma skin cancer must be evaluated by a skin specialist as it might be malignant. The ABCDE’s are crucial traits to be taken into consideration while evaluating moles or other forms of growths present on the skin’s surface.

A – Asymmetry

Asymmetry is an indicator of two halves not bearing any evenness. Normal moles exhibit symmetry. While self-examining the mole or freckle a made-up line could be drawn in its centre and comparing the left and right half or getting it evaluated by a skin specialist.

B- Border

In case the bordering or rims of the mole are appearing frayed, indistinct or uneven then it must ideally be examined by a skin specialist. Melanoma lesions mostly possess jagged bordering.

C- Colour

Moles having varying hues of tan, browns, blacks, bluish, whitish or reddish are dubious as normal moles are generally in one colour hue. Moles having varying hues of a lighter or darker form must be evaluated by a skin specialist.

D- Diameter

A mole is deemed dubious in case the diameter is more than six mms in diameter as non-malignant moles mostly measure below six mms diameter-wise.

E- Elevation

In case a part of the mole appears to show some elevation or risen from the surface of the skin then it must be examined by a skin doctor as a melanoma lesion mostly grows in extent or varies in height swiftly. Moles which evolve – shrink, grow bigger, change in colour, starting getting itchy or start bleeding must also be examined by the skin specialist.

Vital Pointers to Screen Moles for Skin Cancers

It is best to inspect one’s skin following a bath before wiping dry. A familiar spot for melanoma arising among males is noted on the back and among females it is observed in the lower portion of the legs. However, scrutinizing the complete body for appearances or moles or dubious marks on one day during a month’s time beginning with the head and working one’s course downward till the toes. One could examine concealed spots like the webs of the fingers and toes, sole of the feet and the back part of the knee. Also holding a mirror for checking any newly developed moles and taking a picture of the moles and mark them according to date for monitoring them for any variation. Paying particular notice to moles in case of teenagers, expectant moms or menopausal women which are times when hormonal levels are surging.