Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes. It is not as prevalent as other forms of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but it is more threatening due to its increased chances to extend to other body parts. In case of its untimely diagnosis and treatment it can become even more worse. Most melanomas are caused by destruction of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually by the sun or tanning beds.
ABCDEs of Melanoma
ABCDE rule is the mnemonic, which dermatologists created to assist people and professionals determining the looks of a visual object that could be melanoma in a mole or spot. The following are what to look specifically:
A is for Asymmetry
- What it implies: The mole or spot of one half is not identical to the other half.
- What to observe: Proceed to draw an imaginary line passing through the center of the mole. Is it symmetrical? Usually, common benign moles are round and symmetrical. Melanoma usually possesses an irregular shape, one side of which appears dissimilar.
B is for Border
- Meaning: The edges are notched, ragged, irregular, blurred.
- What to look at: Edges of a suspicious mole may not be smooth, even, or well-defined, but may be scalloped, jagged, or poorly defined. The pigment can appear to bleed out into the adjacent skin.
C is for Color
- What it signifies: It is not a single color.
- What to check: Check out black, brown, and tan colors. It is a cause of concern that this mole could have white, red or even blue. Several colors or lack of equal spread of color is a warning.
D is for Diameter
- What it is: The size is bigger than a pencil-eraser (approximately 6mm or 1/4 inch).
- Notable Observation: Although this is an effective guideline, the melanomas may be small at the time of diagnosis. Any swollen mole, irrespective of the size, must be evaluated.
E is for Evolving
- What it signifies: The mole is varying with time.
- What to observe: This is one of the most important indicators. Search changes in the skin: a mole that is growing larger, becoming darker or lighter or raised. New symptoms such as itching, bleeding, tenderness, or crusting also should be noted.
Other Crucial Warning Signs
ABCDS is a rule that encompasses a considerable number of signs, but not all. Watch out for the ugly duckling. It is a mole which appears quite different to all your other moles. It stands out. In addition, watch out for any new mole or spot, or painful sore that fails to heal, particularly over 30 years of age.
From Detection to Diagnosis
- Self-Examination: You should examine your own skin on a regular basis; be it your arms, legs, or head. Check on parts of your body that are not easily visible like your scalp, between toes, or feet sole. Ask a partner or use a mirror.
- Professional Skin Check: In the event that you observe any of the ABCDE or other suspicious alterations, make an appointment with a physician or dermatologist.
- Diagnosis: The physician will look at the spot, and he may use a dermatoscope (special magnifying tool) to look at the spot. In case doubtful, the skin cancer diagnosis is made by a biopsy, a small part of the tissue sample is excised and examined in a laboratory.
Treatment Choices: What follows a diagnosis
In case of the confirmation of melanoma, the stage will dictate the treatment for skin cancer melanoma. These may include:
- Surgical Excision: This involves the removal of the melanoma and a healthy tissue surrounding it.
- Mohs Surgery: This is an expert method of some skin-cancers on delicate parts.
Additional Treatments: In more progressive cases, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation or even chemotherapy can be used.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the ABCDE
Pros:
- Empowerment: Provides persons with a simple framework that is easy to remember when one checks oneself.
- Early Detection: Results in the detection of melanomas at the earliest and most curable stages.
- Ease: It is a simple rule that anybody can learn.
- Global Standard: It is a fairly used and medically approved instrument.
Cons:
- Not Comprehensive: It does not encompass all the signs.
- Can Cause Anxiety: Can result in worry about benign moles that contain some asymmetric or irregular areas.
- Obliges Following: Knowledge cannot stand alone. It has to result in a professional assessment.
- It is not a Substitute: It is not a diagnostic tool that should replace that of a dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the frequency of skin cancer self-examination?
Develop a complete self-examination every month. This will assist you in knowing your moles and observe the change in the appearance of the skin at a very low rate.
I possess a mole with jagged edges but it is never had otherwise. Should I worry?
When a mole has remained fixed and constant over a long period of time, it is not so likely to be a problem. But anything evolving or changing now requires attention. When in doubt, get it checked. They should always play on the safe side.
Is it possible that skin cancer can occur in those parts of the body which are not exposed to the sun?
Yes. Although the main cause is sun exposure, melanoma may occur anywhere on the body such as the palms, soles, under nails, and genital area.
What are the most important types of skin cancer?
These are the three most prevalent; Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. The ABCD rule is the most specific to melanoma.
Is a melanoma always changing mole?
No. Moles that are benign and numerous change throughout a lifetime. Nevertheless, due to the fact that change is also one of the main symptoms of melanoma, any changing mole should be examined by a professional in order to eliminate the possibility of cancerous skin cells.
Conclusion
Knowing the ABCDE of melanoma will make you more of a passive viewer than an active protector of your well-being. The most efficient aspect of successful skin cancer treatment is early detection. Regular self-exam, awareness of the symptoms and swift action can dramatically raise the possibility of identifying any issue at its most manageable phase.