ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

Why should I examine my skin for early signs of melanoma?

About 1 in 5 people in the United States will get skin cancer. It develops as a result of damage from the sun or tanning beds. The most common types of skin cancer include:

• Melanoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma.
• Squamous cell carcinoma.

You’re the closest person to your skin. So, you’re in the best position to notice changes like a new mole or a freckle that’s a bit larger or crustier than it used to be. When you regularly examine your skin, you can easily spot changes that could indicate melanoma or other types of skin cancer early on, when you have the best chance for a cure. 

What do the ABCDEs of melanoma stand for?

You may have heard to follow the “ABCDEs of skin cancer” to examine your skin. This is a way healthcare providers recommend examining moles for signs of melanoma or other skin cancers. Each letter stands for descriptors of freckles or moles that may indicate skin cancer. Look for the following:

• A is for asymmetry. You may see a mole that’s different on one side than it is on the other. In other words, the sides don’t match. This is called asymmetry.
• B is for border. A mole with an uneven border at its edges could be a sign of melanoma or other types of skin cancer. 
• C is for color. More than one color or varying shades of color in one mole could be a sign of melanoma or other types of skin cancer.
• D is for diameter. A large mole (bigger than an eraser on a pencil) could be a warning sign of skin cancer.
• E is for evolving, or changing. Any change in any part of a mole could indicate skin cancer. For example, if your once flat mole becomes raised or scabs over, that’s a change that could be a sign of skin cancer. 

If you see any of the ABCDEs of skin cancer, call your healthcare provider right away to schedule an appointment.

What is the ugly duckling sign of melanoma?

Let’s say you have a lot of freckles or moles. Maybe you have a field of freckles across your whole body. One day, you notice one of your moles or freckles isn’t like the others. It may be crusted over, it may have grown bigger or raised off your skin more than it previously was. That mole or freckle is the “ugly duckling” of the group.

Healthcare providers call this phenomenon the “ugly duckling” of melanoma. It’s when one mole or freckle stands out among others — thereby making it the “ugly duckling” of the group.

How should I examine my skin?

To do a skin self-exam, follow these steps in a well-lit room:

1. Use a full-length mirror as well as a hand mirror.
2. Examine your body front and back in the mirror. Then, examine both sides with your arms raised.
3. Examine the inside of your mouth by looking at your tongue, lips and inner cheeks.
4. With your elbows bent, carefully check your forearms, upper arms, palms and between your fingers.
5. Use mirrors to check the back side of your body (including your butt) and your genital area.
6. If you have breasts, lift them so you can see under them.
7. Examine the back of your legs and feet (sit if it’s more comfortable) and check the soles of your feet and the spaces between your toes.
8. Check the back of your scalp and neck using both mirrors. Be sure to part your hair or use a blow dryer to get a closer look. You can always ask your hairdresser or barber to point out any spots on your scalp.

During this examination, note any moles, blemishes or birthmarks from the top of your head to your toes. Use a small ruler to measure how big these marks are. Also note changes in color, size or shape of these markings or any sore that doesn’t heal. You can also take pictures of the spots to document these changes.

How often should I examine my skin?

You should check your skin — all over your body — about once a month after a bath or shower. This means the front side of your body, your face, your scalp, the back side of your body, and the tops and bottoms of your feet and hands. Keep track of whatever kinds of spots or skin changes you find and where they’re located. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice changes to your skin.

What are the risks or benefits of a skin self-examination?

Taking time once a month to examine yourself from head to toe may feel awkward at first. But there are no risks to self-examination. The only risk is not examining your skin for changes that could indicate skin cancer. Almost all types of skin cancer (which includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) can be cured if found early.

When should I contact a doctor about my skin self-examination?

Contact a healthcare provider if:

• You find any changes in the size, color or shape of a previously noted mole or other skin markings
• You develop a sore that doesn’t heal
• You have a mole that itches or bleeds

Your dermatologist may be able to treat any suspicious areas quickly. They can note any changes during your visit. If you’re at high risk for melanoma or other types of skin cancer, your dermatologist may want to see you regularly.