Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Key Signs Your Mole Could Be Cancerous

Tag Archives: Melanoma

Mole on BackWith May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a great time to prioritize skin health and learn how early detection can save lives. While most moles are harmless, some can signal a dangerous skin cancer like melanoma. Recognizing the warning signs is one of the most effective steps toward prevention and early diagnosis.

What Is a Mole?

Moles (also known as nevi) are small, clusters of pigmented skin cells. They can be flat or raised, and range in color from light pink to dark brown or black. Most are usually harmless, but some can signal something very serious and should not be ignored.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma: Five Warning Signs of a Cancerous Mole

To help identify the warning signs of skin cancer, dermatology providers rely on the ABCDEs. It’s a simple but effective checklist to evaluate moles. Here’s what to look for:

A – Asymmetry: One half does not match the other

B – Border: The edges are irregular, blurred, or poorly defined

C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven shades

D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though smaller melanomas are possible

E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color

Other Things to be Aware of

  • New moles appearing after age 30
  • Rapid changes to an existing mole
  • Itching, tenderness, or bleeding
  • A mole that stands out or looks noticeably different from the rest (referred to as the “ugly duckling” sign)

Who’s at Higher Risk?

Some people are more vulnerable to skin cancer and should have regular skin examinations, especially if they have:

  • Fair skin, light eyes, or light hair
  • History of sunburns or tanning bed use
  • Family or personal history of skin cancer
  • A large number of moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Melanoma, while serious, is highly treatable when caught early. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage melanoma is 99%. That’s why regular self-exams and yearly professional skin examinations are so important.

How to Perform a Self-Skin Exam

Once a month, use a mirror or ask a partner to help you check out the following areas:

  • Scalp
  • Back and buttocks
  • Soles of feet and between toes
  • Underarms and behind ears

Take note of any new or changing spots. When in doubt, get it checked out.

Don’t Ignore Suspicious Moles – Schedule an Appointment Today!

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to check your skin. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. A changing mole could be an early warning sign. Schedule a full body skin examination at the Neiman Dermatology Building to get the expert care and peace of mind you deserve.

Source: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Skin Cancer Foundation

Skin Cancer ScreeningSkin cancer is the most common cancer, as an estimated one in five Americans will develop some form of it in their lifetime. Now, a recent study from the Prevent Cancer Foundation found that most people are not staying up to date with their routine screenings. This finding is even more concerning considering melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, is almost 100% curable if caught in the early stages.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma

Increased Risk Factors

  • Fair skin
  • Natural blonde or red hair
  • More than 50 moles
  • Family history of melanoma

Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

  • Stay in the shade when possible
  • Wear sun-protection (UPF) clothing
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Regular skin cancer examination by a dermatology professional

When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is the best prevention. To schedule a skin cancer examination at Lisa S. Ball, NP in Buffalo, NY, contact our office today.

Source: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

Legendary reggae musician Bob Marley was a larger-than-life personality whose influence transcended music. Sadly, on May 11, 1981, he passed away at the young age of 36. His premature death was believed to have been attributed to an acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM).

Bob Marley

What is acral lentiginous melanoma?

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a very rare and fast-growing skin cancer that is typically found on the palms of hands, soles on feet, or underneath the nails. Unlike most skin cancers, UV exposure does not have a direct correlation to ALM. It is instead caused when the melanocytes (the cells responsible for making melanin, the pigment that determines the color of the skin) grow out of control and form tumors. It is often diagnosed late because it is usually found in individuals (and parts of the body) with a low likelihood of UV-induced melanoma.

When was it first noticed?

The first indication of Bob Marley’s melanoma occurred after a soccer game in the summer of 1977. During the game, he badly injured his right big toe. Thinking it was just a bruise, he didn’t end up getting it evaluated any further. In the coming days, the site of the injury worsened, so a biopsy (small sample removal of skin tissue) was done. This confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma.

What happened after?

The medical staff recommended that the toe, and possibly even the foot, be amputated to prevent the cancer from spreading. He instead opted for an excision (surgical removal of skin tissue) of the site and surrounding areas. The treatment was believed to have completely removed the cancerous lesion. Then a few years later, in September of 1980, he was diagnosed with a brain and lung tumor. It is believed that this was the result of the melanoma on his toe spreading before it received treatment. Eight months later, Bob Marley passed away in a Miami area hospital.

As tragic as this situation was, it highlights the importance of early detection. Because while melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, if found early, it can be one of the most treatable. So, if you haven’t had your skin examined in a while, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov