Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. In some instances skin cancer can be very simple to eliminate, while in other cases it is aggressive and deadly. In any case, untreated skin cancer can lead to disfigurement and extreme pain. The best way to prevent these drastic outcomes is to carefully monitor your skin on a regular basis and visit a dermatologist for an annual skin screening.
A normal mole is usually uniform in color, black or brown. It can be flat or raised but not typically bumpy in texture. Healthy moles are normally no larger than a pencil eraser and have smooth borders. However, even healthy moles must be watched closely for changes. Sudden changes could indicate the presence of cancer:
- A for Asymmetry
- B for Irregular Borders
- C for Color (a healthy mole should be uniform in color and brown or black)
- D for Diameter (no larger than a pencil eraser)
- E for Evolving (has the mole changed recently?)
Watch your skin every month and immediately report changes to your dermatologist.
