About Your Skin
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, covering the internal organs and protecting them from injury; serving as a barrier between germs, such as bacteria, and internal organs; and preventing the loss of too much fluid. It helps control body temperature and get rid of some wastes. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, accounting for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 2 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are found in this country each year. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer in 2012. |
Mysterious Mole? Learn your ABCDE's!
(Grateful thanks to www.skincancer.org for granting permission to post information and images)
Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless – but not always. Anyone who has more than 100 moles is at greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles. That's why it's so important to get to know your skin very well and to recognize any changes in the moles on your body. Look for the ABCDE signs of melanoma, and if you see one or more, make an appointment with a physician immediately.
If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match.
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The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
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Having a variety of colors is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, blue or some other color.
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Melanomas usually are larger in diameter than the size of the eraser on your pencil (1/4 inch or 6 mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.
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Any change – in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting – points to danger.
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Learn More
The Skin Cancer Foundation
David Cornfield Melanoma Fund
American Academy of Dermatology
PeaceHealth Southwest Regional Cancer Center
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