Although moles are usually harmless, in some cases they can become cancerous, causing melanoma.
For this reason, it is important to regularly examine your skin for any moles that change in size, color, shape, sensation or that bleed.  Suspicious or abnormal moles or lesions should always be examined by your dermatologist.

What to Look For

Remember the ABCDE's of melanoma when examining your moles. If your mole fits any of these criteria, you should visit The Dermatology Clinic as soon as possible.  

• Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.
• Border. The border or edges of the mole are poorly defined or irregular.
• Color. The color of the mole is not the same throughout or has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red.
• Diameter. The diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
• Evolution. The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, including the scalp, between the fingers and toes, on the soles of the feet, and even under the nails. The best way to detect skin cancer in its earliest, most curable stage is by checking your skin regularly and visiting our Baton Rouge office for a full-body skin cancer screening. Use this guide to perform a self-exam.

• Use a mirror to examine your entire body, starting at your head and working your way to the toes. Also be sure to check difficult to see areas, including between your fingers and toes; the groin; the soles of your feet; and the backs of your knees.
• Pay special attention to the areas exposed to the most sun.
• Don't forget to check your scalp and neck for moles. Use a handheld mirror or ask a family member to help you.
• Develop a mental note or keep a record of all the moles on your body and what they look like. If they do change in any way (color, shape, size, border, etc.), or if any new moles look suspicious, visit The Dermatology Clinic right away.  

Skin cancer has a high cure rate if detected and treated early. The most common warning sign is a visible change on the skin, a new growth, or a change in an existing mole. Depending on the size and location of the mole, dermatologists may use different methods of mole removal. A body check performed by a dermatologist can help determine whether the moles appearing on the body are pre-cancerous or harmless.

Skin cancer is one the most common of all cancer types, which occurs when malignant cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. More than 2 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States. Although the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, most cases could be prevented by limiting the skin's exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Skin cancers fall into two major categories: melanoma and non-melanoma.

• Basal cell carcinoma is rarely fatal and most commonly appears after the age of 40 in the form of lesions on the head or neck area, which may increase in size or bleed easily.
• Squamous cell carcinoma generally develops in people over 50 on sun-damaged skin. This is the most common form of non-melanoma cancer, and treatment is usually surgical or radiation therapy. These growths appear as flat and red, becoming raised, scaly patches.
• Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer, often occurring on the back of men and the legs of women. Risk increases with age, and the average age of detection is between 45-50 years old. It usually appears as a dark flat or raised area on the skin, and is often irregular in shape. Left untreated, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body.

First step: prevention

The good news is that with early detection and treatment, non-melanoma cancers can be cured in over 99% of the cases, and melanoma is readily detectable and usually curable if treated early.

To start protecting your skin, limit sun exposure by seeking shade and always wearing sunscreen, even during the winter months. When possible, wear hats and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to skin cancer, including tanning booths. People with fair skin, several moles or freckles, or a family history of skin cancer are also at an increased risk for developing skin cancers.

Early detection and self-exams can save your life

Many types of skin cancer grow slowly, while some melanomas can appear very quickly. Detected in its early stages, skin cancer is very treatable. Use a mirror to examine unreachable parts of your body or ask a family member or friend to assist you. Check your moles regularly for any changes in appearance or sensitivity, and contact our Baton Rouge office for unusual signs.

Skin cancer may be one of the most common types of cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable and curable. Take steps now to protect your skin and visit The Dermatology Clinic for regular exams or unusual findings.