When was the last time you had a mole check by the dermatologist? If you have never had one, add it to your list!
Being an esthetician I have seen a lot of skin, and a lot of skin cancer. A lot of times it goes undetected by the client because they think those little persistent spots are harmless.
That’s the thing about skin cancers, sometimes it’s not so obvious.
Sometimes it’s just a little annoying spot
I remember one particular client that continually month after month, I pointed out a spot on her face that was questionable. I documented it every month for changes. She thought it was nothing, but I knew something was not right about it.
A few months later she decided to get it checked and was told it was skin cancer. It was caught in time, but she had a 6-inch incision and had to have plastic surgery as well. She thanked me for being persistent, and I thanked her for listening and getting it checked.
This is one of many stories I have encountered working in the skincare field. Skin cancer can be sneaky, can look like hardly anything, but underneath your skin layers, it’s causing destructive damage. Let’s talk about why getting a yearly mole check is important and can be life-saving as well.
The most common types of skin cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Melanoma
Basal cell- The most common type of skin cancer. It can show up after years of repeated sun exposure and tanning beds. Remember the skin remembers all those sunburns! All skin types from light to dark can have basal cell cancer. The most common areas to show up is on the head, neck, and arms, but it can show up on other parts of the body as well.
How does it look? A flesh-colored, pearl-like bump under the skin. It can also appear as a pink patch of “extra” skin.
Early detection is vital, as it can rapidly invade surrounding tissue and spread into the body’s nerve and bones.
Squamous cell carcinoma- This is the second most common type of skin cancer. It usually forms from when the skin has been constantly exposed to the sun. Working or being outside in the sun a lot makes you more susceptible to a squamous cell. It usually shows up on areas like the rim of your ears, face, neck, arms, chest, and back.
How does it look? Appears as a red firm bump, a scaly patch of skin or sore that heals and then reopens.
Squamous cell carcinoma can grow deep in the skin and can cause disfigurement if not caught early.
Melanoma- This is the one you don’t want to mess around with. It knows no bounds with regard to skin color or demographics. For women, the most common areas to show up is on the arms and legs.
How does it look? It can develop in an existing mole or unexpectantly pops up overnight as a new dark spot on the skin.
Early detection is crucial for treatment and a positive outcome.
Precancerous Lesions
*Actinic Keratosis are precancerous lesions and are really common. They appear as a scaly spot on the skin that moisturizer doesn’t moisturize. These are easily treated in a dermatologist office by freeze-drying them off or using a prescription product that will remove them.
*Skin cancer can show up also on the scalp, under the nails, between toes, and private areas of the body. Make sure to keep an eye out for any spot that just doesn’t look right.
The ABCDE’s Of A Mole
- Asymmetry. One half of the mole is not like the other.
- Border. The border of the mole is irregular, scalloped and not really defined.
- Color. The color is varied from one area to another. Different shades of brown, tan and black. Sometimes even white, red or blue can appear.
- Diameter. The diameter of the mole is larger than 6mm. which is the same as a pencil eraser.
- Evolving. Moles do not change over time. If it changes is size, shape, color, or texture its a warning sign. Also if it tingles, itches, burns bleeds or just feels “different” get it checked asap.
Sunscreen protection for UVA (Aging Rays) and UVB (Burning Rays).
Check your sunscreen to make sure it covers both UVA and UVB rays. You want to make sure you are protected from damage occurring deep in your skin layers which will accelerate aging.
If you never have gotten a mole check, please get one. It’s easy to overlook a spot and let it go until it turns into something more serious. The good news is skin cancer is highly curable if caught early! So early detection is so important.
Any time of year is a good time for a mole check, but especially after summer, when we will be covering up more and won’t see as much of our skin. Even in the winter protect your face, neck, and hands with sunscreen. You’re still getting a lot of rays through your car windshield!
So yes, enjoy those sunny days! It feels so good, and its healing for the soul! Just make sure you’re being sun smart and protecting your beautiful self!
Until next time,
~pat
