Could you spot the warning signs of skin cancer?
You would be surprised how many people don’t know what to even look for when examining their skin for cancerous growths. Our Chicago, IL, dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach, can perform a mole check on any suspicious growths that you might be dealing with. Don’t put this visit off, as detecting skin cancer early is crucial.
What are the types of skin cancer, and what do they look like?
The two most common kinds of skin cancer are melanoma and non-melanoma. The most common forms of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas, which aren’t as dangerous as melanoma but still need to be treated right away by a medical professional.
Basal cell carcinomas most often develop in places with the most exposure to the sun, such as the face and head. Common symptoms of a basal cell carcinoma include,
- A waxy, smooth bump
- A hard red bump
- Crusting or scaling
- Bleeding or itching
- A sore or bump that doesn’t heal
- A spot that develops into a painless ulcer
Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinomas are also found in areas of the body most exposed to the sun, such as the neck, face, head and legs. Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include a bump that,
- Bleeds
- Is scaly or crusted over
- Is red or pink
- Causes the skin around it to be raised
- Is tender
How can I spot melanoma?
When it comes to melanoma or any cancerous growths, it’s good to go through the ABCDEs to see if it might require medical attention:
- Asymmetry: If you were to draw an imaginary line down the center of a growth, a cancerous growth would not be symmetrical. Both halves of a healthy growth will always look identical.
- Border: A cancerous growth is more likely to have a poorly defined, craggy or blurred border.
- Color: A healthy mole will only be a single color, while a cancerous growth may have different shades of brown, black, white, pink or red.
- Diameter: In many cases (but not always), a mole over 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) is more likely to become cancerous.
- Evolving: A healthy growth will not change its appearance as you get older. If you also notice a new growth or lump, it’s worth scheduling a screening.
If you spot any unusual growths or changes in your skin, you must see our Chicago, IL, dermatologist for a mole check. Even those who aren’t at an increased risk for developing skin cancer should still come in once a year for a complete and comprehensive skin cancer screening. This is particularly important for those with darker skin tones, as it can sometimes be tricky to spot changes in your skin.
Is it time to schedule a skin cancer screening with our Chicago, IL, dermatologist Dr. Fahrenbach? Did you notice a mole that looks suspicious? If so, call North Branch Dermatology today at (773) 763-6000 to book your next appointment.