What You Didn’t Know About Skin Cancer and The Golden ABCDE Rule
Skin cancer mainly affects people who are above the age of 50 years old. However, it’s possible for younger individuals to develop skin cancer, especially if they’re exposed to the sun a lot without wearing any sunscreen.
Two factors greatly influence its appearance:
- the radiation emitted by the sun through its UV rays and
- DNA mutations in the epithelial cells.
Many people think that continuous sun exposure can be harmless. They actually believe the worst thing that can happen to them is sunburn, which can easily heal after few days.
Using sunscreen is not enough
Any mole can become malignant
Most cases of this cancer develop from a spot that begins to grow abnormally.
However, in other circumstances it may arise from a preexisting mole that was invaded by malignant cells.
This variety of moles are known as melanomas. They are not so frequent among the types of this disease. However, unfortunately, they are the most aggressive type.
The malignant mole risk increases if the mole in question is actually large. The name of these moles is “congenital melanocytic nevus” and they are present at birth. They can grow over the years.
Tanning booths can be dangerous
If we continuously use tanning lamps then the risk factor is bigger and we should all not ignore.
Although it seems like a good alternative to sun exposure, the truth is these types of tanning machines also emit some degree of ultraviolet radiation, which can be dangerous.
Other possible causes of this disease are chronic injuries and swelling that occur from severe burns and infections.
If the skin that protects the inner part of the body has a serious condition, the risk of developing malignant cells increases significantly.
The “ABCDE” rule to identify skin cancer
However, there’s a method that can help you discern whether the moles or spots that appear on your skin are a cause for cancer: the “ABCDE” rule:
A – Asymmetry: One part of the mole or birthmark does not match the other.
B – Border: The edges of the mole are uneven and look abnormal.
C – Color: The color of the mole includes brown and black shades. However, moles may sometimes turn white, blue or a reddish color.
D – Diameter: The mole is a little over ¼ inch wide (6 milimeters).
E – of Evolving: Over time you notice changes in the shape, size and color of the mole.
Pay attention to the signs that you consider to be abnormal and ask for the appropriate tests to be more certain.
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