The ABCDE Method
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are three distinct types of skin cancer, all varying in severity. Each type of skin cancer is named after the type of cells that are affected.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer,but the least severe. Basal cell is usually easily treated, especially if detected early. It can appear as a red or irritated patch of skin, and sometimes it will bleed, ooze or crust over. Basal cell carcinoma can appear as a shiny bump or pearly nodule, but can also be brown, black or tan, or as a red bump that looks like a scar.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a more serious type of skin cancer. It generally appears on areas of the body that have had excessive sun exposure, like the face and shoulders. Squamous cell carcinoma tumors appear as thick, horny and shallow while developing, then may become raised on a crusted surface.
Melanoma is a malignant tumor and is the most severe and brutal types of skin cancer. Moles that are irregular in symmetry, border, color and diameter are suspicious of being melanoma and should always be checked by a dermatologist. This brings up the ABCDE method to help keep yourself educated and aware of the moles on your body.
This is a checklist provided by the American Cancer Society to help recognize possible cancerous moles.
A – Asymmetry - is the mole irregularly shaped? is one side more prevalent?
B – Border - does the mole have a round border? or is it uneven?
C – Color - are the multiple colors to the mole?
D – Diameter - is the mole excessively larger? larger than a pencil eraser (1/4")?
E – Evolving - is the mole changing in size or color? is it bleeding or crusting?
Changes to any of these should be examined by a physician as soon as possible. And of course the necessary precautions should be taken to help prevent cancer, such as wearing a sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing and hat.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer,but the least severe. Basal cell is usually easily treated, especially if detected early. It can appear as a red or irritated patch of skin, and sometimes it will bleed, ooze or crust over. Basal cell carcinoma can appear as a shiny bump or pearly nodule, but can also be brown, black or tan, or as a red bump that looks like a scar.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a more serious type of skin cancer. It generally appears on areas of the body that have had excessive sun exposure, like the face and shoulders. Squamous cell carcinoma tumors appear as thick, horny and shallow while developing, then may become raised on a crusted surface.
Melanoma is a malignant tumor and is the most severe and brutal types of skin cancer. Moles that are irregular in symmetry, border, color and diameter are suspicious of being melanoma and should always be checked by a dermatologist. This brings up the ABCDE method to help keep yourself educated and aware of the moles on your body.
This is a checklist provided by the American Cancer Society to help recognize possible cancerous moles.
A – Asymmetry - is the mole irregularly shaped? is one side more prevalent?
B – Border - does the mole have a round border? or is it uneven?
C – Color - are the multiple colors to the mole?
D – Diameter - is the mole excessively larger? larger than a pencil eraser (1/4")?
E – Evolving - is the mole changing in size or color? is it bleeding or crusting?
Changes to any of these should be examined by a physician as soon as possible. And of course the necessary precautions should be taken to help prevent cancer, such as wearing a sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing and hat.
posted by Meagan at
7:31 AM
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