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ABCDE: Warning Signs You Might Have Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common type of cancer by far. It develops in the cells that produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanoma normally affects the outer skin, but it can sometimes form in your eyes or internal organs. Here are some warning signs to look out for that might indicate that you have melanoma.

New Moles
Many people have moles that do not indicate a skin condition. For comparison, a normal mole is evenly colored either brown, tan, or black. It is either oval or round and is typically about the size of a pencil eraser. Some moles are present at birth, but most moles appear during childhood or young adulthood. Somes moles may also fade away. However, if you notice a mole appear late in life, you should go to a medical dermatology center to get it checked.

Signs that indicate melanoma
The biggest sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing size, shape, or color. To help you identify characteristics of unusual moles that might indicate melanoma, think of the letters ABCDE.

• • A is for Asymmetry: Look for moles that have irregular shape. For example, the spot may look like it has two completely different halves.

• • B is for Border: The edges of the spot are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

• • C is for Color: The color of the mole is not the same all over. It may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes patches of pink, red, white, or even blue.

• • D is for Diameter: The spot grows larger than six millimeters, or the width of a pencil eraser.

• E is for Evolving: All this means is that the spot is changing is some way, whether it’s shape, size, or color.

Other melanoma symptoms
Some other sizes of melanoma may include:

• Sores that don’t heal
• Spread of pigment around the skin
• Redness or swelling around the border
• Itchiness, tenderness, or pain
• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or bump

Need a Dermatologist in Boca Raton?
More than one million American are currently living with melanoma, and most of them will recover without complications. If you experience any of these warning signs, like abnormal moles, sores, itchiness, or anything else mentioned above, then you should visit our dermatologist in Boca Raton for a screening. Early detection is key in preventing seriously harmful effects. Contact us today to set up a medical dermatology skin examination that might just save your life.