© Anetlanda / Shutterstock Woman examining her own skinAs a society, we spend a lot of time and money trying to keep our skin clear and youthful. By the end of 2022, the US alone will spend $19.2 billion on skin care products (according to statistics). However, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma affects more Americans than any other type of cancer. Considering that 20% of people are diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, it is not surprising that skin cancer is becoming more widespread in our country. Fortunately, the five-year survival rate for skin cancer, if detected early enough, is 99%, which suggests that taking action on the health of our skin, not just its appearance, can literally save the day.
M Health Fairview says skin lesions is a broad term used to describe any area of the skin that is abnormal in relation to the surrounding skin. This can include anything from moles and freckles to rashes, blisters and dry patches. While skin lesions can often be normal, there are times when they can be fatal. In this article, we'll show you a trick that can help you identify potentially dangerous skin lesions, and it's as easy as ABCDE.
What is the ABCDE method?
© Delely Pics / Shutterstock Close -up of a mole on a woman's armMoles, a very common form of skin growths, appear as black, brown, or pink patches on the skin. They arise from groups of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes (according to M Health Fairview). Moles can be flat or raised. While most are harmless, they can develop into skin cancer over time.
The ABCDE method is a diagnostic evaluation designed to detect melanoma, a type of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes and therefore particularly affects moles and freckles (according to the American Cancer Society). While M Health Fairview states that the ABCDE method was developed specifically for diagnosing skin cancer (and not other types of skin cancer), the American Cancer Society believes that skin cancer is especially important to monitor. This type of skin cancer spreads throughout the body if not detected and treated early.
How to perform an ABCDE skin self-examination
© Inside Creative House / Shutterstock A dermatologist examining a patient's skinAlthough the American Cancer Society does not specify how often we should check our skin, the general consensus is that once a month should be sufficient. To see every inch of yourself, use a small mirror that you can hold to look into hard to reach places and a large mirror that you can stand in front of. The first self-examination of the skin should be to identify freckles or moles. For each subsequent month, record the changes that occur.
When you remember what to look for, just remember ABCDE (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)). A stands for asymmetry. If I draw a line down the center of the mole, will the two sides look completely different? If so, then there may be cause for concern. B means "border". Healthy moles have very clear boundaries. If the mole is rough and seems to dig into the skin, it is best to see a dermatologist. C for color. If the mole has more than one color, it may be a sign of skin cancer. D stands for diameter. If the mole is larger than a pea, it's time to examine it. Ed Ye reminds us to watch the development of a mole. Any changes to an existing mole can be a warning sign and should be reported to your doctor immediately so they can examine you.
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