These Symptoms of Skin Cancer may Surprise You
Skin cancer doesn’t always follow “the rules.” This makes it even more important to keep up on your annual full-body skin checks at our office, and to examine your skin regularly at home. Use a mirror to check hard-to-reach areas, or enlist your partner’s eye so you don’t miss anything. Taking photos every few months on your phone of any areas of concern to monitor for changes is a great way to see if spots are evolving.
You may be familiar with the “ABCDEs” of melanoma: Asymmetry, borders that are ill-defined, spots of more than one or that are very dark in color, spots >6mm in diameter, and the Evolution of the spot. Some examples include, an area that suddenly itches or a mole that was merely bothersome to your appearance now bleeds.
Other often-overlooked signs of cancers such as Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma include:
- Transparent or white raised spots
- Pimples that do not go away (>4 weeks) or start bleeding
- Areas that are tender
- Scaly or waxy-looking patches
- Constant flaking areas on the lips
Many of these signs can be mistaken for something harmless, like cold sores, a peeling sunburn, an acne break out or dry skin. While some areas may look like characteristic melanoma, they may present in places where they can easily be missed, such as the soles of your feet, your scalp or your genitals. Ten percent of melanomas occur in areas where the “sun don’t shine.” Don’t wait. Call us (760) 642-6674 or email us at [email protected] for your next skin check.
