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Finding out you have skin cancer can be some of the worst news you could receive. Knowing how to spot the first signs of skin cancer before it becomes a serious threat to your health and overall wellbeing, is the first step in avoiding that diagnosis.
Learning the ABCDE’s of cancer spotting can help maintain a cancer-free life. Go to your dermatologist right away if you see any of these signs on your body.
- Asymmetry- an uneven growth or mark that doesn’t have identical halves.
- Border Irregularity- the boarders tend to be uneven, blurred, scalloped or notched.
- Color- the color and pigmentation is not uniform. Different shades of tans, browns and blacks, splotches of red, white and blue, are all indicators.
- Diameter- the size of the mole is great than 6mm (1/4 inch) which is about the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolution- a change occurs in the size, shape, color or symptoms, such as itchiness, scabbing, flaking, crusting, bleeding or tenderness.
There are 3 different types of skin cancer, all with varying degrees of danger. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and usually occurs in areas of the skin that are sun-exposed. It will appear as an open sore, reddish patch, or waxy growth with elevated borders.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer which develops on sun-exposed skin. This type may appear as a scarly red patch with irregular borders, wart-like growth or open sore.
Melanoma is by far the most dangerous type of skin cancer. However, if any time of cancer goes left untreated for too long it could cause serious damage and place your life in jeopardy. Melanoma can occur on any area of the body, regardless of sun-exposure. It can appear as a mole, or an asymmetrical lesion with an irregular border. Telltale danger signs include uneven color or pigmentation and a diameter greater than 6 millimeters. Pre-cancer can develop on the body as Actinic Keratosis, which appears as a scaly or crusty bump.
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Dr. Cameron Rokhsar
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is the founder and owner of Cosmetic Laser Skin & Surgery Center. With degrees from Harvard University and NYU, along with multiple publications and media features, the double board-certified dermatologist and laser surgeon proudly shares his expertise with patients in Garden City, Manhattan, and those who fly in to receive treatment at his offices. Dr. Rokhsar has worked extensively with Vbeam laser, Thermitight, Coolsculpting, and Fraxel laser technology, as well as Allergan and other injectable brands. He pioneered the Non-Surgical Nose Job and continues to be a leader in his field.