It’s always scary if you suspect that you have skin cancer. When you have those spots or sores on your skin that change or won’t go away, you know there is something wrong. It’s more than a blemish. It’s something that can disfigure you or lead to much more serious problems. When your skin cancer is melanoma, you need to take action immediately to treat this aggressive form of cancer that can be life-threatening. Know the symptoms so that you can be prepared.
What are the Symptoms of Melanoma?
Moles are one of the biggest signs of melanoma. While most moles are nothing to worry about, moles that have turned into melanoma will have a different appearance. They might change from how they have always been or you might notice that one of your moles does not look like all the rest of the moles on your body.
You can follow a guideline when you are trying to determine if any of the blemishes, lumps, sores or moles on your body could indicate a problem. It’s called the ABCDE guideline. A means to look for asymmetry. If half of the spot does not match the other half, you could have a problem. B means to look at the borders of a blemish, sore or mole. If the edges have blurred or they have become sharp, you’ll want to take action. C means pay attention to the color.
If your spot is harmless, it will be uniform in color, like a typical brown mole that always looks the same. If you see a blend of colors, you could have melanoma. If you see white, blue or red in an area of concern, you should get it checked. D means to check the diameter. If it’s more than a quarter of an inch across, you could have a dangerous form of skin cancer. E means to watch for any spots that evolve. If you’ve had a spot for years and it begins to change, you should get it tested.
Be Aware of Your Body
If you have melanoma, or some other form of skin cancer, you need to pay attention to your body. Sores that ooze, become painful or inflamed, yet never heal, are signs that something is wrong. If you have a mole or another spot that becomes painful or itchy, something is going on. Watch for bumps that suddenly appear and don’t go away.
See Our Doctor If You Have Concerns About Melanoma
When it comes to melanoma, or any form of skin cancer, you can never be too cautious. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread, moving beyond one spot to affect other parts of your body. Any type of skin cancer can continue to grow. Pay attention to changes in your body or any areas that are worrying you. This especially is important if you are fair-skinned or you have a history of skin cancer in your family.
You should also make appointments to have your skin checked regularly by our specialists at Dermatology Associates. Early detection is key in taking care of any type of skin cancer before it becomes a threat to your health. We have offices in Norwood, Foxboro and Franklin. Contact us today to schedule your skin exam.