Skin cancer can affect up to one in five people, with risk factors like genetics, exposure to UV radiation, and having many or unusual moles playing a key role in the development of the disease. Our experts at Magnolia Dermatology, providing care in Bridgeland and Cypress, Texas, know that a great place to start to identify the condition is by understanding the ABCDE guide. Keep reading to dive deeper into the basics of skin health that every person should know.
Recognizing the Red Flags in Moles With Expert Guidance
If you’re looking to know more about the relationship between moles and skin cancer, you have come to the right place. At Magnolia Dermatology, our experts in skin health are here to provide the help you need, whether medically or cosmetically. From a medical standpoint, one of the biggest threats to your long-term health is skin cancer, a medical condition that requires you to be familiar with the ABCDE guide if you have multiple or unusually shaped beauty marks.
🌸 Find out more about our skin cancer services
Understanding Skin Cancer
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, at least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. This condition causes abnormal skin cells to grow rapidly, forming lumps or tumors at the top layer of the epidermis that can grow into the dermis. Some contributing factors include excessive UV light and radiation, fair complexion, family history, and having a high number of moles.
There are three main types of this disease:
While all skin cancers require medical attention, they can vary significantly in severity, with melanoma being the one we’re most concerned about.
Not All Moles Are a Cause of Concern
According to the expertise of our skin health professionals, when it comes to moles in the context of melanoma, there are a few facts to establish:
- Not all beauty marks develop into melanoma
- Moles are generally not cancerous or dangerous
- Most warning signs can be spotted using the ABCDE guide
🚩 The ABCDE Guide: When Moles Could Be a Cause of Worry
A for Asymmetry
Most of the time, moles tend to feature a round shape, with all sides being similar throughout; however, moles can sometimes develop halves that are different from one another.
B for Border
Borders can say a lot about moles, with potentially problematic ones featuring poorly defined borders. These could look blurry, uneven, or even scalloped.
C for Color
Moles tend to be characterized by having an even color, showing the same light or dark brown throughout. However, they can sometimes develop different colors within the same mole.
D for Diameter
Beauty marks that grow 6 millimeters or larger in diameter (about the size of an eraser at the end of a pencil) are spots that should be looked at by a professional.
E for Evolving
Because moles evolve over time, detecting changes can be challenging. However, noticing the previous warning signs is a good place to start. If you have a mole that’s changing, whether in size, shape, color, or texture, that’s a spot that is evolving.
Early Detection and Treatment for Melanoma
Our experts recommend monitoring your moles carefully and scheduling a professional examination if you notice changes in your spots. It’s also important to schedule regular check-ups to monitor existing unusual moles and other suspicious skin changes in your body.
At Magnolia Dermatology, Dr. Samantha Robare and Diana Chou, PA-C, help patients recognize whether their mole changes are a cause of worry. Furthermore, we provide treatment during early stages, when it is more likely to be successful.
👉 Find out more about Diana Chou, PA-C: A Guide on Getting a Complete Skin Exam
GentleCure: Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment at Magnolia Dermatology
GentleCure uses Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT), a type of radiation specifically used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers. The advanced IG-SRT machine targets cancer cells and kills them using low levels of X-ray energy—having a 99% cure rate in basal and squamous skin cancers. Treatment is done safely at our dermatology office over the course of a few weeks, without the discomfort and cosmetic issues that are often associated with surgery.
FAQ
How quickly does a mole turn into melanoma?
Moles can turn into melanoma over weeks, months, or even years. Melanoma can also metastasize in as little as 30 days, and it can be life-threatening in advanced cases.
Where is the most common spot for melanoma?
The most common spot for melanoma varies depending on gender and skin tone. For women, it is more common on the lower legs, while for men it frequently appears on the back or chest. For people with dark skin tones, it tends to be more frequent in areas that are not usually exposed to the sun, like the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and even under the nails.
Is the treatment for skin cancer painful?
Our treatment option for skin cancer, GentleCure, is not a painful or invasive procedure at all. Because it doesn’t involve any cutting or incisions, it does not require numbing or anesthesia. Furthermore, it does not leave scars.
Check Your Skin Health with Experts in Bridgeland and Cypress, Texas
We understand how scary it can be to find a mole on your body that looks unusual or matches any descriptions of the ABCDE guide. But acting promptly can make all the difference for a fast recovery. At Magnolia Dermatology, we offer treatment options that not only help with skin cancer, but also preserve your skin’s appearance. Contact us if you have any questions and concerns regarding moles, melanoma, or skin health in Bridgeland and Cypress, Texas.