You might have heard time and time again about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays – which are the main culprit in skin cancer. But how much do you know about the disease itself? Do you know how to spot its early signs?
Whether you find tanned skin attractive or you simply love to laze around on the beach on a sunny day, vigilance is crucial. Knowing the exact changes to watch out for on your skin is half the battle.
Below is a handy mnemonic to help you identify the possible indications of skin cancer:
Asymmetry
Cancerous spots on the skin can be asymmetrical, meaning they are not of the same size or shape on both sides. If one part of your mole does not match the other, it could be a cancerous growth.
Border Irregularity
Cancerous growths also often have irregular or jagged borders: If the edges or borders of your mole are not clearly defined, this means you should get it checked by a skin cancer specialist.
Color Variation
Cancerous spots can also vary in color – from white or brown, to black. There may also be patches of red, pink, blue, or any other color.
Diameter
Another thing you need to pay attention to when you notice a new mole or growth is its diameter: cancerous spots are often more than 6 millimeters in diameter – larger than the size of a pea
Evolving
If your mole or growth has changed in color, size, and/or shape over the past few weeks or months, get screened for skin cancer.
It is worth mentioning that the list of symptoms we’ve provided above is not all-inclusive. In addition, while the mnemonic is an excellent guide to detecting skin cancer early, some of the symptoms of the disease do not have a pattern. Your best bet is, therefore, to see a dermatologist regularly for a thorough assessment.
Skin Cancer Doctor in Miami, FL
For the best possible outcome for skin cancer treatment, choose only a trusted specialist. In Miami, Florida, your go-to is Dr. Theodore John (T.J.) Giuffrida here at the Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center.
Dr. Giuffrida is a highly decorated Mohs surgeon, and his excellent reputation stems from his skills, sharp clinical acumen, and commitment to not only delivering unmatched treatment outcomes but also to equipping patients with everything they need to stay on top of their skin health.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Giuffrida, call our dermatology office today at (305) 461-2000 or use our convenient online request form.
