Knowing your skin is a great way to detect signs of skin cancer on your body quickly. If you know your skin well, you can easily and quickly identify new growth or changes. Newly developed moles on your skin are the most significant cause of concern when it comes to the signs of melanoma.
Melanoma
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma is “the most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.” These mutations often look like moles, and they can also develop from moles.
ABCDEs of Melanoma
If you discover a new mole on your skin, or a current mole begins to change you can look for the ABCDE signs of melanoma.
Asymmetry – If a line is drawn through the middle of your mole the two sides will not match.
Border – The border (outline) of your mole will be uneven.
Color – You mole will be multi-colored and not uniform.
Diameter – The diameter is typically larger than the head of a pencil eraser.
Evolving – Any changes in size, shape, color, elevation or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting is dangerous.
If melanoma is discovered and early treatment is administered, it is almost always curable, but it is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and be fatal.
If you notice something new on your skin, contact Dr. Weisman at Medical Dermatology Specialists today.
Medical Dermatology Specialists
5730 Glenridge Dr, Suite T-100
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 939-9220
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5730 Glenridge Drive, Suite T-100
Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: Call (404) 939-9220
FAX: (470) 312-2157
Email: jstalls@atlmedderm.com
