To identify signs that may indicate the development of skin cancer, you must observe some characteristics of the lesion, spot or mole, such as whether it has different colors, irregular shape or edges, size and whether it increases in size over time, for example .
These characteristics can be observed at home by the person themselves or by a family member, if it is on the back or in another area that is difficult for the person to access, and help to identify possible skin cancer lesions early.
However, the diagnosis of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer is only made after a dermatologist’s evaluation and skin biopsy, to confirm whether it is a malignant lesion, and thus indicate the most appropriate treatment. Find out how skin cancer is diagnosed.
5 signs of skin cancer
The main signs of skin cancer can be identified through an exam called ABCDE, which is carried out by observing the characteristics of spots and spots.
The 5 main characteristics that may indicate that a spot is a sign of skin cancer are:
- A (Lesion asymmetry): if half of the stain is different from the other. The asymmetry of the mole may indicate that it is skin cancer;
- B (Irregular edge): when the contour of the mole, stain or lesion is not regular;
- C (Cor): if the mole, mole or stain has different colors, such as black, brown and red;
- D (Diameter): if the mole, mole or stain has a diameter greater than 6 mm;
- E (Evolution): if the mole, spot or lesion on the skin evolves over time, that is, it increases in size, changes color or shape.
The best way to identify any changes in the skin is to observe the entire body, including the back, behind the ears, head and also the soles of the feet, about 1 to 2 times a year, facing the mirror.
You should look for irregular spots, signs or spots that change size, shape or color, or for wounds that have not healed for more than 1 month.
A good option, to facilitate the examination, is to ask someone to observe your entire skin, especially your scalp, for example, and photograph the signs, spots, spots or larger lesions to observe their evolution over time.
Therefore, when you have a spot, mole or mole with characteristics of skin cancer, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for an evaluation and tests. See how the dermatological examination is performed.
Other signs that may indicate skin cancer
Although most cases of skin cancer present the above characteristics, there are other signs that may also indicate the development of cancer. These signs vary according to the type of cancer and may be:
1. Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer
Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer may be:
- Small wound or nodule on the skin, white, reddish or pink, which can cause itching;
- Wound or nodule on the skin, which grows quickly and forms a crust, accompanied by secretion and itching;
- Wound that does not heal and bleeds for several weeks;
- Wart that grows.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two types of non-melanoma cancer that are more common, less serious and easier to cure. However, when squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed at an advanced stage, in certain cases it can spread to other organs of the body. Learn more about basal cell carcinoma.
2. Melanoma skin cancer
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Melanoma symptoms can be a dark mole or mole on the skin, with irregular edges, accompanied by symptoms such as itching and peeling skin.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer of all, and can cause changes to an existing mole, such as an increase in size and a change in color or shape.
The main cause of melanoma is prolonged exposure to the sun, hence the importance of using sunscreen daily and avoiding being exposed to the sun for a long time. See what melanoma is and how to treat it.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to consult a dermatologist whenever you notice changes in a mole, mole or spot on the skin.
In most cases, a mole with changes is not cancer and in these situations, the doctor may request regular consultations to observe whether there have been changes in the skin, or may even choose to remove the mole surgically, when there are signs indicative of malignancy.
If you want to confirm your risk of skin cancer, make an appointment with your nearest dermatologist:
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How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of skin cancer is made by a dermatologist or oncologist, who makes a specific and detailed analysis of the mole, mole or spot using a special magnifying glass, through the ABCDE exam, analyzing the shape, size, color and diameter of the mole, sign or stain and evolution.
At the end of this examination, if the doctor suspects cancer, he or she may request further tests, such as a skin biopsy, for example. However, if the change is not cancer, the doctor may recommend other care to treat the lesion, such as pills or ointments, for example.
On the other hand, if signs indicating skin cancer are detected, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be indicated. Understand how skin cancer is treated.
How to prevent skin cancer
To prevent the development of skin cancer, it is important to adopt some measures that avoid direct skin contact with the sun’s ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of changes. Thus, some ways to avoid this type of cancer are:
1. Protect the skin
To protect your skin correctly, you should avoid sun exposure during the hottest times of the day, especially in summer, between 11 am and 4 pm, trying to stay in the shade whenever possible. Additionally, it is important:
- Wear a hat with wide brims;
- Wear a cotton t-shirt, which is not black, or clothing with sun protection that has the UPF 50+ symbol on the label;
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection, purchased from specialized opticians;
- Use sunscreen.
These tips should be maintained both on the beach, in the pool and in any type of outdoor exposure, such as agriculture or physical activity in the garden, for example.
2. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen against UVA and UVB radiation with a factor of at least 30 must be applied daily, applying the product to the entire body, including the face, feet, hands, ears and neck, reapplying every 2 hours or after going to the hospital. water, because its protection decreases. See which sunscreen is best suited for each skin type.
It is important to use sunscreen throughout the year, including in winter, because even when the weather is cloudy, UV radiation penetrates the clouds and negatively affects unprotected skin.
3. Observe the skin
You should observe your skin at least once a month, looking for moles, moles or spots that have changed color, have irregular edges, are different colors or have increased in size. Furthermore, it is important to consult a dermatologist at least once a year to carry out a complete skin examination and detect early changes.
4. Avoid artificial tanning
Using tanning beds increases the chances of getting skin cancer, because although the skin darkens quickly, intense exposure to UVB and UVA rays increases the chances of changes in skin cells. Know the risks of artificial tanning.
