Is It Skin Cancer? What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
As we approach the fall months, it’s time to think about checking our skin for any changes in moles or new moles that we never noticed before.
Skin cancer can develop on anyone. In the United States, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and can occur anywhere on the body.
If you are fair-skinned, had a blistering sunburn as a child, or have a family history of skin cancer, you may be at risk.
The National Cancer Institute identifies essential points in understanding skin cancer:
Overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds can cause changes to the skin in which malignant cells may form in the tissues.
The skin is comprised of several layers. The epidermis is the outer layer of skin, which is made up of three kinds of cells: squamous, basal, and melanocytes.
There are several types of skin cancer:
-Nonmelanoma skin cancers -squamous cell carcinoma forms in the squamous cells, and basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells.
-Melanoma skin cancer forms in the melanocytes.
The ABCDE’S of Melanoma
The American Academy of Dermatology Associations describes the ABCDE’s of melanoma as the following:
A Asymmetry- when one-half of the mole is unlike the other half.
B Border - the border of the mole is irregular or poorly defined.
C Color-the mole has a variety of colors from one area to the next and may include shades of tan, brown, or black or areas of white, red, or blue colors.
D Diameter- the mole is greater than 6 mm, roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
E Evolving-the mole looks different from the rest of your other moles and may change its size, shape, or color.
The CDC has guidelines when it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun.
Use a sunscreen that filters out UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen if you have been out in the sun for more than 2 hours after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Before applying, ensure the sunscreen is not expired.
Wear a hat, especially for those with thinning hair. The best choice is one with a brim all around to shade your face, ears, and back of your neck.
Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and block UVA and UVB rays.
Even though summer is over, it is essential to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays of the sun.
Avoid over-exposure to ultraviolet light and do self-body checks of your skin. Skin cancers can develop on people of all ages.
If you find a suspicious mole or are unsure of how to self-check your body for moles and other skin lesions, talk to your healthcare provider.