Though skin cancer can be a very scary diagnosis, it’s also often considered one of the most treatable cancers if it’s caught early. Watching out for melanoma symptoms can help you get in touch with your body and be aware of skin cancer risks. Learn more about the melanoma symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
Risk Factors for Melanoma
Though anyone can develop skin cancer, even without substantial exposure to the sun, there are some risk factors that should put you on high alert. A study from the European Institute of Oncology reports that childhood sun exposure is a major predictor of melanoma risk—even more significant than adult sun exposure.
Family history is also a determining factor in melanoma risk. If anyone in your family has ever been diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important to be vigilant about regular skin checks, sunscreen use, and knowledge of melanoma symptoms.
Those with very fair skin may have less natural protection from the sun, leading to an increased risk of melanoma. However, people of any skin tone can be diagnosed with melanoma, so don’t be lulled into a false sense of security.
Symptoms of Melanoma
Awareness is the greatest weapon you have against melanoma, since early diagnosis can often be tied to more successful treatment protocols. You should watch for any new or changing moles. The ABCs of mole inspection let you know when you should get to the dermatologist and have a mole checked out:
- A: Asymmetrical: If a mole is asymmetrical, it’s often considered suspicious.
- B: Borders are ragged: Moles with ragged, bumpy edges, rather than smooth edges, need to be checked out.
- C: Color: If a mole is one uniform color, it may not be something to worry about. If there are multiple colors in your mole, get it examined.
- D: Diameter: A diameter of more than 6mm means that a mole may need to be examined by a professional.
- E: Evolving: Any change in a mole needs to be seen by a dermatologist. This includes changes in size, color, or shape.
In general, just being aware of your skin and what’s natural for your skin can help you catch any unusual moles or developments. A mole or spot becoming painful or sensitive can be cause for concern, as can an open sore that is not healing on its own.
A mole doesn’t need to be painful to be worth checking out. Itching or tenderness can indicate a problem as well. If the color of a mole starts to seep into the surrounding skin, this can be problematic.
Keeping an Eye on Your Skin
This can be a lot to take in, so how can you best protect your skin? If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, check your skin once per month. You may want to take photos of any moles you have, as this can help you determine whether or not they are growing. In addition, one you have your own dermatologist, they may keep a running record of any skin blemishes.
Melanoma can be treated swiftly when caught early. Use these tips to protect your skin.
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/melanoma-skin-cancer-symptoms-not-ignore.html
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/stage-4-melanoma-pictures
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0215(19980812)77:4%3C533::AID-IJC10%3E3.0.CO;2-7/asset/10_ftp.pdf?v=1&t=iaojo6zk&s=e706b3df456335e50aaba915bbea9592d996c6bf
