Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, accounting for close to 50% of all cases of cancer diagnosed. One in five Americans will get skin cancer during their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute more than 1,000,000 cases will be diagnosed in the next year. Non-melanoma skin cancers, most commonly basal and squamous cell carcinoma, account for most of these cancers.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and malignant melanoma.

Although malignant melanoma is not the most common, it is the most deadly. Over 68,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year and over 8,000 will likely die. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old. Unfortunately, the number of cases of melanoma is increasing. Many people do not realize that something on the skin can kill them, especially if it is small and has no symptoms, so as we will say many times throughout this article, please be cautious and aware and visit your dermatologist once a year for a skin check-up. Our team's focus is on early detection and treatment because it accounts for the best prognosis for patients.

What does a melanoma look like?

In order to find a melanoma, you need to look at your skin for any lumps, bumps, or moles. The ABCD's of melanoma detection may help you sort out a normal mole from an atypical mole or melanoma. Melanomas can develop from a normal area of skin (skin with no moles or prior abnormal coloration) or from an existing mole or freckle.

The ABCD's:

	(A) - Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.
	(B) - Border: An irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
	(C) - Color: Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown, or black; is sometimes white, red, or blue.
	(D) - Diameter: Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown, or black; is sometimes white, red, or blue.
	(E) - Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color. A mole that is suddenly itchy, inflamed, bleeding, or scabby should also be examined.

Note: Example of an evolving melanoma:

The ABCD rules do not find all melanomas. Some melanomas are perfectly symmetrical and have a light color. So, in addition to the ABCD's, use the following to help screen for other suspicious lesions.

• Elevated: Look for a new spot that is raised above the skin surface.
• Firm: Look for spots that are firm to the touch, not flabby.
• Growing: Look for spots that are fast growing or continue to grow for more than 2-3 weeks.

 

"Ugly Duckling Rule"

This rule is based on the fact that an individual's moles will tend to look alike. If there is a mole that doesn't match the others (i.e., the ugly duckling), that mole is more likely to be a melanoma.

One last tip

If you have a "bruise" on the palm or sole that does not heal or have an unusual pigment around the nail, these may also be signs of a melanoma.