Finding skin cancer early is key, so it’s smart to know how to spot a possible problem and get to a dermatologist pronto. Got a mole you’re not sure of? Give it the ABCDE test.
Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer. While you should do your best to prevent sun damage that can lead to cancer (wear sunscreen!), you also want to keep an eye on any changes in your skin, says David Crowe, MD, the head of dermatology at MetroHealth. The best way to do that is to learn the ABCDE guide.
Here’s how it works:
A – Asymmetry
Normal moles are usually symmetrical. This means that you could draw an imaginary line down the middle, and both halves would match. If one half looks different from the other, it’s a clue that a mole may be suspicious.
B – Border
Normal moles have smooth, even borders. Watch out for moles with irregular, notched, scalloped, or blurred edges. Uneven borders are often an early sign of a melanoma.
C – Color
Benign moles are usually all the same color. If you have a mole with different shades of color, it could be a sign of abnormal cells.
D – Diameter
Size matters when assessing moles. While melanomas can be smaller, most tend to be larger than 6 millimeters. That’s about the size of a pencil eraser.
E – Evolving
Perhaps the most important sign is change. If your mole is changing in size, shape, color, or height, or if it starts to itch, bleed, or crust, see a healthcare provider. If you have a mole of you are unsure about, you use MetroHealth’s Snapshot Skin Cancer Screening – a walk-in service to identify spots of concern.
How to do your ABCDE checks
Check your skin every month. Make sure to:
- Be in a well-lit space.
- Use a full-length mirror to check your body.
- Use a hand mirror to check the back of your neck and your scalp.
- Check all areas of your body, even those that don’t get sun. This includes underarms, forearms, fingernails, soles of your feet, and spaces between your toes.
If you notice any suspicious changes, schedule a visit with a dermatologist right away. MetroHealth provides same-day appointments Monday through Friday. See details below.
MetroHealth also has sophisticated skin mapping technology that can keep track of your skin year after year and flag areas of concern.
While you should check yourself for anything suspicious, an annual dermatology exam is a good idea. Call 216-778-DERM (3376) to make an appointment.
Need urgent skin care? Get Same-Day Appointments Monday through Friday.
Your skin health shouldn’t wait. If you have a rash, acne flare-up, itchy skin or a concerning spot, our specialists are ready to help.
- Appointments can be scheduled at any dermatology location with openings that day.
- Pediatric appointments may be limited.
- Does not include cosmetic consultations or services.
Call 216-778-3376 (DERM) between 7 and 8 a.m. to schedule a same-day appointment.
