The summer season in Frisco, TX, can take us to a lot of places. From the grass-studded beaches of Lake Texoma to the rocky, white waters of Broken Bow and Beavers Bend State Park, there’s plenty to see on a weekend trip from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. But amidst all the sunshine and fun, the last place you expect this summer to take you is to your local dermatologist for a skin cancer screening.
To stay healthy, happy, and ready for adventure all summer long, you need to know that your skin is in good order. That starts with a regular application of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. But even then, it can be difficult to separate a benign lesion or mole from the early signs of melanoma.
Here’s how you can achieve peace of mind and a clean bill of health from your dermatologist this summer season!
Melanoma Screenings & Skin Exams in Frisco, TX
At Rodgers Dermatology, we’ve treated our fair share of skin cancer scares. We know the anxiety that an unfamiliar mole or blemish can cause you.
To arm yourself against panic and make informed decisions about your healthcare, use the ABCDEs of melanoma—a handy, mnemonic guide to separate benign moles from spots of concern.
If you notice something off and would like a professional evaluation, contact Rodgers Dermatology today or give us a call at (972) 808-5196.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma – A Summertime Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth
Unfortunately, more than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, but it’s also easily and successfully treated when spotted early. For this reason alone, the ABCDEs of melanoma could save your life.
As always, this handy, at-home method to check for skin cancer isn’t perfect. To know for sure,
schedule your appointment today.
Asymmetry
New, benign moles may pop up frequently. That’s completely normal. To check moles against the early signs of melanoma, we can examine the blemish’s shape.
Melanoma is typically asymmetric, so it shouldn’t look perfectly circular in shape. If you spot an asymmetric mole or blemish somewhere on your body that exhibits other signs in this list, you may want to get it checked.
Border
Benign lesions or moles have easily defined borders. In other words, it should be easy to see where your skin ends and the mole or blemish begins. Skin cancer, on the other hand, doesn’t always have that clear division line around it. Melanoma borders can be hard to spot and appear irregular in shape.
Color
Benign moles and lesions are consistent in color. They usually appear as one or two colors and stick with it. They may be tan, brown or even black or bluish, but they will only be one or two colors.
Cancerous moles, meanwhile, display multiple colors. If your mole has different colors within it, such as brown, black, red, or white, it could be cancerous. To know for sure, consult your local dermatologist in Frisco, TX.
Diameter
As you may remember from high school geometry class, diameter is measured as a straight line through the center of a circle or sphere. Many moles may be hard to measure, but there’s an easier way to take stock of their size.
Moles and lesions should generally be no larger than the eraser of a #2 pencil. Melanoma, for instance, tends to be over 6mm in diameter. The pencil eraser test is a fast way to see if you should be concerned or not.
Evolution
By tracking the evolution of your mole, you should be able to note changes in size, shape, symmetry, and border. Harmless or benign moles generally maintain their characteristics while cancerous blemishes evolve over time.
It’s important to note that no single characteristic from the list above points directly to melanoma. But when several or all of these indicators worry you, it’s time to schedule an appointment with an expert dermatologist in Frisco, TX.
Stay Safe & Enjoy Your Summer in Frisco, TX
At Rodgers Dermatology, we know that even the suspicion of skin cancer can inspire panic and feelings of helplessness. But with the ABCDEs of melanoma, you’re far from powerless. If at-home summer skin checks leave you feeling restless, you can always visit us for a quick check.
To enjoy every last day of the summer season, remember to limit your exposure to the sun. Apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher whenever you expect to spend more than a few minutes outdoors. For skin cancer screenings, cosmetic dermatology services, and everything in between, there’s always Rodgers Dermatology!
Rodgers Dermatology Wishes You a Happy Summer Season!
Nobody wants their summer fun derailed by a skin cancer scare. By using the ABCDEs of melanoma, you can easily monitor your moles and skin lesions without fear. If you notice something off, or spot any unusual characteristics, call Rodgers Dermatology in Frisco, TX, at (972) 808-5196 or contact us online. Early detection and treatment of melanoma can save your life, so don’t be afraid to reach out ASAP.