Skin Cancer Symptoms and Warning Signs

Have you ever stared at one of your moles for a long time, without knowing why it looks so strange? The specialists in skin cancer wish to include a few new warning signs that might indicate the presence of cancer on your body. The initial ABCD used for skin cancer detection was recently exchanged with ABCDEFGs. This translates in: asymmetry (A), border irregularity (B), color variation (C), diameter bigger than 6 mm (D), elevated (E), firm (F) and growth (G).

How Does Normal Mole Look Like?

A normal mole is a spot on the skin, having a tan, black or brown color. It can be oval or round, raised or flat. Their usual diameter is less than 6 millimeters. You can be born with some moles, but most of them appear during childhood and adulthood. Once a mole has appeared, it will stay at the same color, size and shape for years and years. Some moles even fade away in time. Almost every person in the world has moles and mostly all of them are harmless. However, it is best to recognize even the slightest change in a mole. This way, you can spot cancer and cure it.

Warning Signs

The most visible warning sign for melanoma is a spot that is changing in color, size, shape or the apparition of a new spot on the skin. If it looks different from the others, go get checked by a doctor. The ABCDEFG rule is the guide for the most common warning signs regarding melanoma. Let’s see what each letter means:

• A – Asymmetry: It represents a warning sign if half of the birthmark or a mole does not match the other.
• B – Border: The edges of the mole are blurred, ragged, irregular or notched.
• C – Color: The color of the mole is not the same. It includes different shades of black and brown or sometimes patches of blue, red, pink or white.
• D – Diameter: The spot on your skin is larger than 6 millimeters.
• E – Evolving: The different mole is changing in color, size or shape.
• F – Firm: When you touch it, the spot is supposed to have the same consistency.
• G – Growth: If the birthmark or mole grows in dimension, you should totally check it out.

Other Warning Signs

Unfortunately, not all melanomas play by the rules listed above. It is important to report any change existent on your skin. Tell your doctor about any new spots or changes. Some of the other warning signs are changes in the surface of a mole. If the mole is bleeding or oozing, you might expect a nodule or a bump to appear. Also, a swelling or redness beyond the border is another sign that should make you think about visiting the doctor. It’s also extremely dangerous if you notice a sore that does not heal. If you experiment pain, itchiness or tenderness in that area, you need to visit a doctor as soon as possible.