Skin Cancer Screenings
Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body – not just in spots that get a lot of sun. While the majority of skin cancers are basal and squamous cell cancers and are easy to treat, a growing number of skin cancer cases are melanoma, a more aggressive form of cancer that accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. So, it’s important to understand your options to detect skin cancer early though skin cancer screenings.
Performing a Skin Cancer Self-Exam
Performing a Skin Cancer Self-Exam
Early detection of skin cancer typically starts with an individual self-exam, using the “A, B, C, D, E” method to determine whether a mole or lesion should be cause for concern.
- A: Asymmetric—One side of a mole or lesion looks different than the other. It is not uniform.
- B: Border irregularity
- C: Color— The mole changes in color over time.
- D: Diameter—The mole’s diameter is increasing.
- E: Evolution—Is the mole changing in any way? Is it growing, itching, or bleeding?
Any finding of concern should be brought to the attention of a board-certified dermatologist who can perform an in-office evaluation. If a suspicious mole or lesion is identified, your physician will conduct a biopsy to determine whether it is cancer.
Getting Screened for Skin Cancer
If you are due for a skin cancer screening, find a board-certified dermatologist at CentraState.
