By Dr. Brian Keegan
School is back in session. You may know your alphabet, but do
you know your ABCDE’s on how to check your skin for melanoma? According to the
American Cancer Society, about 76,100 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed this
year. At Windsor Dermatology, we are focused on educating our patients on how to
check their skin and protect themselves.
Originally developed at New York University as a way to
identify concerning lesions, the ABCDE’s of melanoma is a screening procedure
to help patients check their skin. If you suspect anything suspicious, remember
to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
Learn the ABCDE’s of melanoma:
Asymmetry – If
you fold the lesion in half, both sides don’t look the same.
Border – Most moles
will come to an end. Lesions that are of concern may bleed off, look more faint
in certain spots or different around the edges.
Color – Lesions
that have multiple colors, such as red, black, brown or white, can be
concerning.
Diameter – Moles
should not be bigger than a half a centimeter.
Evolution – Added
after the ABCD’s, evolution stands for change. Any change in a mole should be
further examined by a dermatologist.
The ABCDE’s of melanoma provide a way for patients to check
their skin at home. At Windsor Dermatology, we see lesions all the time that
fit some or many of these points. The important thing to remember is anything
that is of concern, should be checked by a dermatologist. Scheduling annual
skin screenings is important as your dermatologist knows what specifically to
look for and is able to check those hard to see areas of your body.
To schedule a skin screening with a dermatologist at Windsor
Dermatology, call 609-443-4500 or visit Windsor Dermatology to make an
appointment or to learn more about melanoma.
