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Spring signals warmer weather and a return to outdoor activities, but all that sun can also put you at risk for skin cancer. That’s why it’s important to do regular skin self-examinations. Get to know the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin.
Remember the ABCDE rules:
- Asymmetry – One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- Border irregularity – The edges of the mole are ragged or irregular.
- Color -The mole has different colors in it. It may be tan, brown, black, red, or other colors. Or it may have areas that seem to have lost color.
- Diameter – The mole is bigger than 6 millimeters across, about the size of a pencil eraser. But some melanomas can be smaller.
- Evolving – A mole changes in size, shape, or color.
Other signs and symptoms that may be skin cancer include:
- A mole or skin mark that itches, or is tender or painful.
- A mole or skin mark that oozes, bleeds, or becomes crusty.
- A mole or skin mark that looks different from your other moles or skin marks.
- A sore that doesn’t heal.
- A mole or sore that becomes red or swells at its edges or beyond.
If you notice any of these signs during your skin self-examinations, contact your health care provider for a professional skin exam. Find a doctor online or call (865) 541-4500.