The ABCDEs of Melanoma Skin Cancer | Lone Pine Dermatology

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment in your skin. While it’s less common than basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and only accounts for about 1% of all skin cancers, it’s far more aggressive. It causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths because melanoma can spread rapidly to other organs if not caught early.

Certain factors increase your risk of developing melanoma, including:

Having fair skin, light eyes, or freckles.
A history of sunburns or excessive sun exposure.
Using tanning beds.
Genetics and a family history of skin cancer.
A large number of moles or unusual moles.

The good news? When detected early, melanoma cancer is almost always curable. Understanding your risk can help you stay vigilant, but anyone can develop melanoma. That’s why regular skin checks are essential for everyone. That is where the ABCDEs come in.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection can make all the difference. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma detected early is nearly 99%, but that drops significantly if the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes or other organs. Regular self-examinations, combined with annual skin cancer checks and screenings by a dermatologist, are the best ways to catch melanoma in its early stages.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

To make it easier to recognize warning signs, dermatologists developed the ABCDE guidelines. This guide helps you examine your moles and skin spots more critically.

A – Asymmetry

If you draw a line through the middle of a normal mole, both halves should match and have symmetry. In melanoma, one half is often unlike the other. Asymmetrical moles should raise a red flag.

Tip: Use a mirror or ask a partner to help examine hard-to-see areas like your back or scalp.

B – Border

Benign moles usually have smooth, even borders. Melanomas tend to have irregular or scalloped edges that may be blurred or notched.

What to look for: Jagged lines or edges that blend into the surrounding skin rather than being clearly defined.

C – Color

A healthy mole is typically a single shade of brown. Be cautious if a mole has multiple colors such as black, brown, tan, red, white, or even blue. Uneven coloring can be a sign of melanoma.

Red flag: A mole that changed color over time or has areas of discoloration.

D – Diameter

Most benign moles are smaller than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). If a mole is larger than this, or is growing, it should be evaluated.

Keep in mind: Size alone isn’t conclusive. Even small lesions can be dangerous if they show other warning signs.

E – Evolving

Perhaps the most important sign of all is change. If a mole or skin lesion starts to change in size, shape, color, or begins to itch, bleed, or crust, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Even if a mole looks normal but starts evolving, it could indicate a problem.

Bottom line: Change is one of the most important signs. If a mole is evolving, don’t wait! Get your skin checked.

How to Perform a Skin Self-Exam

Doing a monthly skin check is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how: Stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room. Examine your entire body:

Face, ears, scalp (use a hand mirror or have someone help)
Neck, chest, torso, underarms
Arms, hands, palms, and fingernails
Back, buttocks, backs of thighs (use a hand mirror if needed)
Legs, feet, soles, and between the toes

Look for new moles or changes in existing ones using the ABCDE guide. Keep track by taking photos or using a mole-tracking app.

Tip: Mark any concerning spots and bring them up at your next dermatologist visit.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you notice any of the ABCDE signs, it’s important to schedule an appointment right away. Don’t wait for a mole to become painful or problematic. Early action can save your life. We recommend:

Annual full-body skin checks for adults.
More frequent exams if you have a history of skin cancer or many moles.
Immediate evaluation for any suspicious or changing lesions

Even if you’re not sure whether a mole is problematic, it is better to be safe than sorry. At Lone Pine Dermatology, we offer thorough skin exams and advanced diagnostic tools like dermoscopy and biopsy to detect skin cancer early and make accurate diagnoses. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step from evaluation to treatment, if needed.

Preventative Tips

While early detection is vital, prevention is just as important. Here are some tips to protect your skin:

Use sunscreen daily with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days and reapply every 2 hours that you are outdoors.
Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.
Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Avoid tanning beds entirely.
Perform regular self-exams in good lighting, using a mirror to check hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and soles of your feet.
Have professional skin checks done routinely with your dermatologist at Lone Pine Dermatology.

By being proactive, you can reduce your risk of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

Melanoma is serious, but you have the power to fight back with knowledge and early detection. Remember the ABCDEs and make it a habit to check your skin regularly. If you spot anything suspicious or just want peace of mind, Lone Pine Dermatology is here to help. Book your skin cancer screening today in Providence, UT, or any of our other locations in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho, and take a confident step toward protecting your health.

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The ABCDEs of Melanoma: How to Spot Skin Cancer Early