Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and early diagnosis is critical. One of the best ways to help detect skin cancer early is to check your skin regularly. When you do this, you need to know what to look for. You need to know the ABCDE rule of spotting skin cancer. The dermatologists of Anders Dermatology in Toledo, OH, offer a wide range of dermatology services, including diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but your risk increases if you:

• Have fair skin
• Sunburn easily and deeply
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Have a previous history of skin cancer

You should self-check your skin at least once monthly, and more often if you have any of the risk factors listed above. When you are checking your skin, keep the ABCDEs in mind:

A stands for asymmetry, where half of the mole doesn’t match the other half

B stands for border, where the borders are poorly defined and irregular

C stands for color, where the color of the mole is not uniform, or the mole has changed in color

D stands for diameter, where the mole has a diameter greater than 6 millimeters

E stands for evolving, where the mole has changed in size, color, shape, or texture

You must visit the dermatologist for a professional skin exam if you notice any signs listed above. The dermatologist may require a tissue sample or mole removal for biopsy. If cancerous cells are present, your dermatologist may recommend skin cancer treatment, including:

• Freezing cancerous tissue, known as cryosurgery
• Removing cancerous tissue, known as excision
• Removing cancerous skin layers one at a time, known as Mohs micrographic surgery

Malignant melanoma often requires additional treatment, which can include chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Remember that you can do a lot to prevent skin cancer. You need to:

• Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day
• Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 50 if you are at high risk for skin cancer
• Avoid direct sun exposure from 10 AM to 4 PM, when ultraviolet rays are the most harmful

Want To Know More About Skin Cancer?

Talk with the experts to learn more about the ABCDE rule of spotting skin cancer early. Call the dermatologists of Anders Dermatology in Toledo, OH. You can reach them in the office by calling (419) 473-3257, so call today.