Save Your Skin Part 3: More Than A Mole?

Sorry, guys it takes time for me to post it.  I am loaded with work schedule lately. I worked morning shift and night shift.  Good for me but not good for my blog lol! I can’t find much time to do  post but I hang in there.  Anyway, here is the continuation of my summer tips on how to save your skin. 

According to my dermatologist. The easiest way to catch cancer early is to know what to look for and to see your dermatologist for an annual full-body skin check. Unfortunately, to many of us slack off when it comes to monitoring our moles: A recent survey found that  are few women get a skin cancer screening at least once a year.

RECOGNIZE THE RED FLAG FOR SKIN CANCER

Basal cell carcinoma
See a doctor if you spot…a persistent sore that won’t heal; a pimple-like bump that looks pearly translucent, pink, red or white (may be tan or brown on dark-haired people). Often appears on body parts that get excessive sun exposure-especially that face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back-though can be anywhere.
Squamous cell carcinoma
See a doctor if you spot…a whitish, wart-like growth or a persistent, red, scaly patch, with irregular borders that sometimes crusts or bleeds. Can surface anywhere on the body that’s gotten prolonged sun exposure but is commonly seen on the lower lip and the tops of the ears.
Melanoma
See a doctor if you spot…A mole or dark spot that has one or more of the following ABCDE warning signs: Asymmetry (one side doesn’t match the other), Border irregularity (edges are ragged), Color (pigmentation varies), Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser) and Evolving (the spot appears to be changing in size, shape, color or elevation). Malignant moles can appear anywhere, but check often-overlooked parts like nail beds, palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet.  Good luck everyone!