How to Spot Skin Cancer in Its Early Stages

Skin cancer is the most common and prevalent type of cancer in the entire world. Fortunately, if it is detected in advance, it can be cured. This is why it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of skin cancer so that any serious complications could be avoided, and treatment could begin sooner rather than later.

Here at Atlanta Skin and Aesthetics in Atlanta GA, Dr. Jay Levin can diagnose skin cancer and recommend the best treatment suited to your specific skin cancer type. But how can you tell if you have skin cancer? Here are some practical guidelines from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Perform a Skin Self-Exam

Examine your skin at least once a month. Here are tips you can follow when examining your skin:

• Use a full-body mirror to check your entire body from head-to-toe.
• Look at your palms, forearms, and underarms.
• Inspect between the toes, the soles of your feet, and your legs.
• Check your scalp, neck, and buttocks with a hand mirror, or help from someone.

The “ABCDEs”

Melanoma, which is one of the most serious types of carcinoma, could be detected using the “ABCDE” rule, states your Atlanta skin cancer specialist:

• Asymmetry: If you draw a line in the middle of a lesion and the halves don’t match, appearing different from a normal mole, this could be a melanoma warning sign.
• The borders of a melanoma lesion can appear irregular and have grooved edges, while normal and healthy moles have even borders.
• A melanoma could have multiple colors ranging from various shades of tan, brown, or black. As it progresses or develops, colors such as white, red, or blue may appear too. In contrast, benign moles could appear as only one shade of brown.
• A sign you should look out for is when a lesion is about the size of a pencil eraser, which is approximately 6 m, or larger.
• Evolution: A difference in shape, size, elevation, or color of a spot on your skin is a warning sign. Other symptoms like itching, bleeding, or crusting should likewise be a concern.

If you spot these warning signs, or if you spot anything unusual, new, or changing in your skin, visit your Atlanta skin cancer expert as soon as possible.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Most types of skin cancer are preventable. Bear in mind that prevention is always greater than a cure. Here are simple tips you can follow to diminish your risk of developing skin cancer:

• Stay in the shade when the sun is strong.
• Utilize a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
• Do not use tanning beds.
• Cover up with protective clothing.
• See your dermatologist at least once yearly for a professional skin exam.
• Do a skin self-exam at least once monthly.

For More Information on Skin Cancer in Atlanta, Talk to Us

Dial (404) 252-4110 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jay Levin here at Atlanta Skin and Aesthetics in Atlanta GA now.