Skin cancers are the most common group of cancers diagnosed worldwide, and early detection can make treatment more effective. If a mole, spot or growth looks different than usual, contact Berman Skin Institute (BSI) for an evaluation. Our experienced dermatology providers offer skin screenings and mole removals.
How to Check for Skin Cancer Symptoms
The best way to spot any concerns early is to get to know your skin. Regularly check your body in a full-length mirror and use a hand mirror. Inspect your entire body, including areas you may not see every day, such as your scalp, underarms and the bottoms of your feet.
Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age, so check every inch of your skin to become familiar with your moles and spots. That way, if they start to change in concerning ways, you will be able to notice.
The ABCDE Criteria
One serious type of skin cancer is melanoma. Detect melanoma symptoms by looking for moles with:
- Asymmetry, meaning one half of the mole or spot looks different from the other half.
- Borders that are uneven, scalloped or poorly defined.
- Colors, including multiple colors or uneven color within the same mole.
- Diameter greater than 6 millimeters, though some melanomas are smaller.
- Evolving characteristics, including moles that show up suddenly or change with time.
Even if you don’t have these symptoms, if you notice any changes in your skin, speak with a qualified provider. A dermatologist can evaluate suspicious changes and may remove or biopsy tissue for lab testing.
If testing confirms cancer, your provider can walk you through skin cancer treatment options based on the type, location and stage.
Other Potential Signs of Skin Cancer
While the ABCDE criteria can help you spot melanoma, there are other types of cancer to be aware of, too, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Here’s what to look for:
- New moles, growths or lesions that appear in adulthood
- Lesions or sores that don’t heal after weeks or that heal and then come back
- Rough or crusted bumps
- Flat, crusted areas
- Spots or bumps that bleed, itch, hurt, crust or grow
- Spots or bumps that change in shape, color, size or texture
These symptoms do not mean you have skin cancer, but if you notice changes in your skin and aren’t sure what they could be, request an evaluation. If you have a family or personal history of skin cancer, many atypical moles or other risk factors, speak with your provider about a screening schedule.
Contact Us for Skin Cancer Screenings
If you see something concerning, schedule an appointment at BSI. Our physician-led, patient-focused team in Northern California offers skin screenings, mole checks and treatment options.
