ABCD’s of Skin Cancer
North Carolina ranks among the states with the highest rate of skin cancer.* Melanoma is a cancer of the skin’s pigment producing cells, and it is one of the most aggressive of all cancers. The most recent CDC cancer statistics from 2019 reported that North Carolina saw 26.2 melanomas per 100,000 people.
What are the ABCDE’s?
The ABCDE’s of melanoma and suspicious nevi (“moles”) are a guide about what to look for when examining your own skin. These are the warning signs that help you recognize potential melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
The ABCDE’s are important because skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting Americans, with melanoma being the deadliest type of skin cancer. When melanoma is detected early and treated effectively the survival rate is 99%. However, melanoma is an extremely fast-growing, aggressive cancer that can quickly spread to any internal organ if left untreated. This is why it is essential to become familiar with these warning signs.
In addition to these signs in existing nevi, pay attention to the development of any new moles or growths that have the ABCDE characteristics. If a mole itches, bleeds or won’t heal call Dr. Higgins immediately to schedule an exam.
- Asymmetry means the shape of one half doesn’t match the other half. One side of a normal mole should be a mirror image of the other side. Normal moles are unusually symmetrical and smaller than a quarter inch. Irregularly shaped moles suggest a potential malignant growth.
- Border means the edges are blurred, irregular or ragged. Most moles are round or oval with clearly defined borders. When the edges are irregular it is a sign of danger.
- Color means the color is not uniform and the spot contains multiple colors. Most melanomas have black or blue areas of color along with other colors like red or white. Color changes are a sign of trouble.
- Diameter means the size is larger than a pencil eraser or a quarter inch (6 millimeters) A mole that is larger than a pencil eraser or has recently grown should be examined.
- Evolving means the mole is changing in size, shape, color, borders or size over the course of weeks or months. Benign (harmless) moles look the same over time. A mole that is evolving in any of these ways or develops a new symptom like itching, crusting or bleeding is dangerous.
Melanoma demographics
Women often develop a melanoma on the legs, back, face, toes and feet. Men are more likely to develop melanoma on the back, face, arms and trunk. In people of color, melanoma often develops on the toes, fingers or mucous membranes. By age 50, a man is more likely to develop a melanoma than a woman. Men are twice as likely to die from melanoma than women.
The importance of protection from the sun
It is important to wear a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or greater every day. Sunblock should be worn even in the winter or overcast weather. This is because the type of ultraviolet radiation that causes melanoma, UVA, has the same intensity year-round. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors and wear a hat.
Conducting your monthly full body exam
Conduct your own full body exam monthly. Stand in front of a mirror. Check your hands, fingers, arms, palms, underarms, the front and back of your legs, chest, back, neck, face and scalp looking at all moles and dark spots using the ABCDE’s. Check between your toes and the soles of your feet, and your genitals. Report any concerning changes immediately to Dr. Higgins.
Your full body exam with Dr. Higgins
Dr. Higgins will examine each of your moles for the ABCDE’s using a dermatoscope. A dermatoscope is a hand-held polarized light microscope that enables Dr. Higgins to look more closely at the features of your skin. Dermoscopy is the gold standard for skin examinations.
Melanoma is dangerous because it spreads aggressively to other organs in the body. Early identification can save your life. Schedule a full body skin cancer check with Dr. Heather Higgins and call her if you find anything suspicious when you conduct your own full body check.
*North Carolina ranks 13th among states with the highest rate of skin cancer.
