For most of us, it's easy to monitor headaches, an upset stomach, or sore muscles, but it's equally important to pay close attention to any changes in your skin. If you notice a new growth or a change in the size of a mole, this is often a sign of skin cancer—which is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but also the most curable form of cancer.
Dr. Michael Braden with Braden Dermatology in Comfort, TX, encourages you to become familiar with identifying the potential warning signs of skin cancer, as not each type shows similar changes.
Types of Skin Cancer
The two most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma which are the two most curable. Both cancers can be found in the top layers of the skin, and often grow at a very slow rate. Like most cancers, if these forms of skin cancer are detected early, it's fairly easy to treat and prevent further development.
It's likely that you've heard of melanoma more often than the previous two, and even though it's actually less common, it's the most destructive form of skin cancer. Melanoma spreads at a higher rate, resulting in a much higher death toll than any other type of skin cancer.
Identifying Any Changes
Healthy and noncancerous moles often appear to be a lighter or darker shade of brown—sometimes even the same color as your skin. Commonly round or oval in shape (no bigger than 1/4 inch in diameter) and is completely flat or slightly protruding from the skin.
At Braden Dermatology in Comfort, TX, Dr. Braden urges you to visit with him for a consultation if you notice the changes detailed by the ABCDE guidelines that help recognize signs of skin cancer:
- (A)symmetry of the mole suggests your mole is not the same shape—if it were to be split in half—on both sides.
- The (b)order of the growth is irregular
- Change in (c)olor may look like the tone deepening, fading, or multiple shades.
- If the mole grows in (d)iameter—over 1/4 inch
- The growth is (e)volving in shape, color, or size
Questions About Skin Cancer
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding skin cancer, Dr. Braden with Braden Dermatology in Comfort, TX, recommends visiting with him. To book an appointment, call our office today at (830) 995-3376.