If you’re a self-proclaimed sun goddess like myself, then you probably live for that sun-kissed summer glow. As Stewie Griffin from Family Guy once said to his beloved dog and best friend Brian, “You gotta keep the tan up — it’s not a skin color, it’s a lifestyle.”
The confidence a summer tan gives you just hits differently — but of course, there’s always the fear of the c-word. No, not that c-word, the other c-word. Cancer.
Just like you book an annual exam with your dentist, optometrist, and maybe even a mammographer, you may also pay a visit to your dermatologist for an annual skin cancer screening.
It’s always a good idea to see your derm at least once a year or more if needed, but it’s also good to know some basic skin cancer symptoms so you can keep an eye on things yourself between appointments. We asked the experts, and here’s what you should be looking for.
Skin cancer symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the most common skin cancer symptoms that could be considered one of the early stages of skin cancer is a change in skin color.
Examples include but are not limited to a change in a mole, a new growth or spot on the skin, or a sore that doesn’t heal. Not all skin cancers look the same, so it’s important to know your body and what’s “normal” for you.
When it comes to melanoma symptoms specifically, you’ll want to employ the ABCs (and Ds and Es). Let’s break it down:
- Asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different from each other? For all of you visual learners out there like myself, here’s a kid-friendly reference.
- Border. Is the border irregular or jagged? Edges that aren’t even, such as being blurred, notched, or ragged, are earmarks to make note of as they could potentially be early stages of skin cancer.
- Color. Is the color uneven? Legions, moles, or spots may have a variety of colors, including gray, black, brown, blue, pink, tan, and/or white. If any of these show up and that mark in question resembles a gnarly rainbow in hue, it’s time to get it checked out.
- Diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea or has it grown to the size of a pea? Whip out that measuring tape or get a frozen pea from the freezer.
- Evolving. Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months? This includes color, shape, and size.
If any of these ABCs (and Ds and Es) are applicable to the mark in question, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist or doctor.
Saria George, MD, associate professor of dermatology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, also shares her favorite tip — watch for an “outlier” growth.
“The outlier could be anything unusual, such as a mole or freckle-like spot, a small, pink pimple-like bump, or a one-off scaly patch that is distinct from other areas on your skin,” she says. “I would be extra suspicious of that outlier if it is new or has been changing, growing, or behaving unusually (bleeds, itches, will not heal, etc.).”
Other early stages of skin cancer are described by Cancer Centers of America and MD Anderson Cancer Center and can include:
- A non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crust (this includes scabs, skin growths, or sores that don’t resolve on their own)
- A growth with a raised border and central crust or bleeding
- A red or skin-colored shiny bump on the top of the skin (i.e., red or flesh-colored moles)
- A scar-like growth without a well-defined border
- A wart-like growth
- Changes in existing skin spots
- Pale or waxy skin patches
- Scaly patches on the skin. (i.e., a red rough or scaly spot that you can feel)
Checking for skin cancer symptoms
One of the nice things about skin cancer detection is that you can potentially identify skin cancer by a simple visual exam, notes George. “This is not the case with cancers that arise in internal organs and may not be evident until they cause symptoms,” she says. “Regular skin self-examination is a great way to get familiar with your baseline constellation of moles, enabling you to spot a new or outlier growth if one pops up.”
George says you can check hard-to-reach areas, such as your back or bottom of your feet, using a handheld mirror and a full-length mirror. “These are areas where a growth could otherwise go unseen for weeks or months,” she explains.
Partnering up with someone also can be helpful. “Two sets of eyes are usually better than one, and a second person can help you by directly looking at areas you cannot easily see,” says George.
What about melanoma symptoms?
If you want to get specific with a certain type of skin cancer, then you’ve probably heard most about melanoma. According to the Mayo Clinic, melanoma symptoms include:
- A large brownish spot with darker speckles
- A mole that changes in color, feel, or size or that bleeds
- A painful lesion that burns or itches
- A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear blue, blue-black, pink, red, or white
- Dark lesions on the fingertips, palms, soles of the feet, or toes, or on mucous membranes lining the anus, mouth, nose, or vagina
When to see a doctor about the early stages of skin cancer
If you experience any one of these skin cancer symptoms, including melanoma symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist or doctor. And take heart — there is hope.
“Most skin cancers are very easily treatable,” shares George. “I also try to remind patients that skin cancers, in general, are very common.”
Another silver lining of an early skin cancer diagnosis is that it often helps patients become more aware and vigilant about spots on their skin. Therefore, they may notice a potentially more dangerous or advanced cancer earlier than they might’ve otherwise.
