Ask a Pro – Skin Cancer

by | May 17th, 2021 | News

 

with Dr. Robert Reynolds, Radiation Oncologist, Bismarck Cancer Center

Q: What are some signs of skin cancer?

A: Skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) are an abnormal growth of skin cells and most often develop on skin that is exposed to the sun

but can occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Most skin cancers are not life threatening and can be treated easily. A change in your skin is the most

common sign of skin cancer- know the ABCDE’s of melanoma:

  • A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
  • B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
  • C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
  • D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
  • E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. If you have one of these warning signs, have your skin checked by a doctor.

You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet radiation.