Product ReviewsBrandsBeauty ExpertsEditorial

Signs Of Skin Cancer And When To See a Dermatologist

8 Comments

Signs Of Skin Cancer And When To See a Dermatologist
Joey Skladany
Joey Skladany

Mar 17, 2021


A Leading Dermatologist Breaks Down How To Identify and Prevent Skin Cancer.


Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and while there’s quite a bit of surface area to examine and memorize, bumps, discoloration, and irregularities are a few of the first telltale signs of something potentially more serious. 

 

Signs Of Skin Cancer
Are you having your moles or any new spots on your skin checked on a regular basis?

 

“Anything that does not go away could be something that warrants a trip to the dermatologist,” says Dr. Heather D. Rogers, founder and CEO of Doctor Rogers RESTORE®, procedural dermatologist, and co-owner of Modern Dermatology. “We all get lumps, bumps, scabs and don't know what they are from, but they should resolve. I always tell my patients, give it a month, and if it is still there, I should see it.”

 

But not all abnormalities are created equal. We chatted with Rogers to discuss red-flag skin symptoms, who may be at the greatest risk, and tips for preventing skin cancer on a daily basis. 

 

What Are the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer? 

 

“The most concerning thing is a growing spot, be it red, pink, brown, or black,” says Rogers. “We continue to make new spots for our entire lives. Most show up and then stay. If they continue to grow and change, they can still be benign, but it is better to get the spot doubled-checked.”

 

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has some valuable literature and visuals on how to perform a skin self-exam

 

  1. First, get a full-length mirror - they work best to get a head-to-toe look at your entire body’s landscape. 
  2. Next, be sure to check hidden spots like underarms and forearms that require bending to expose more skin surface. This also applies to areas like legs, toes, and the soles of your feet. 
  3. Lastly, utilize a hand mirror to take a look at hard-to-reach places like your neck, scalp, back, and buttocks. While one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, it is said to be treatable if caught early. 

 

What Are the Types of Skin Cancers? 

 

There are three common types of skin cancer, according to the AAD. The first is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a “flesh-colored, pearl-like bump, or pinkish patch of skin” caused primarily by years of sun exposure or indoor tanning. 

 

The second is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a “red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then reopens, “ caused by sun exposure and more frequently found in patients with fair skin. 

 

The third is melanoma, often called “the most serious” of the trio since it has the ability to spread rapidly. Melanoma develops in a mole or creates a new dark spot on the skin. 

 

What Causes Skin Cancer? 

 

It may go without saying, but ulra-violet (UV) light exposure is the number one culprit of most skin cancers. “We know the sun, and tanning beds expose us to ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation causes mutations in our skin cells' DNA that increase our risk of developing skin cancer,” warns Rogers.

 

In fact, it is estimated that a whopping 90 percent of basal and squamous cell carcinomas and 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to ultraviolet radiation. Studies have even shown that a person’s risk for developing melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns as an adult or even one blistering sunburn as a child. This statistic is particularly alarming, considering half of adults report at least one sunburn in the past 12 months.

 

Who Is More Prone to Skin Cancer?

 

There are several genetic risk factors also associated with skin cancer. 

 

“For basal cell and squamous cell [iterations], being fair, having a family history of skin cancer, and extended sun exposure are all risk factors,” says Rogers.  “For melanoma, having more than 100 atypical moles, a first-degree relative with a history of melanoma, and multiple sunburns all increase your risk of developing melanoma.”

 

There is also a myth that people of color are not as susceptible. The reality is that because of this misconception and the greater presence of melanin in the skin (which makes it sometimes more difficult to see any abnormalities), diagnoses are typically in later stages and, as a result, more deadly. Everyone is capable of burning their skin and everyone, no matter the complexion, should monitor their epidermis. 

 

 

What Steps Can You Take to Prevent Skin Cancer?

 

While it may be a buzz-kill for those who thrive on the beach, Rogers warns that sunbathing is probably one of the worst things you can do to maintain good skin health. 

 

“Don't get sunburned. Don't tan. I don't mean to ruin the sun for people, but there is never a good reason to lie in the sun or on a tanning bed,” she advises. “Get outside and be active by all means, but always remember your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.” And, don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming. 

 

Now that spring has sprung for many areas of the country, this advice is more pertinent than ever. At the same time, remaining vigilant about applying sunscreen is a year-round, daily necessity.

 

What are some of your favorite products to avoid the damaging effects of sun exposure? Sound off in the comments.


Author:

Joey Skladany
Joey Skladany

Joey is a writer/editor, TV/radio personality, lifestyle expert, former entertainment publicist and author of Basic Bitchen. He was most recently editor-at-large of CBS Interactive’s Chowhound and his work has also been featured in major outlets like Food & Wine, People, CNET, InStyle, Yahoo!, Travel + Leisure, Lonny, and BuzzFeed. In addition, he is the host of Awesomeness TV’s Dish This and has appeared on Wendy Williams, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, HLN, NBC, CBS, and SiriusXM. Currently based in New York City, in his spare time Joey enjoys volleyball, worshipping Beyonce, fine dining, writing depressing poetry, interior design, and perfecting his stand-up comedy routine. You can find him on Instagram @joeyskladany.


Comments

Loading...


Become a Part of Our Community

Pro Discount Program

Pro Product Review Program

Editorial Team

Advisory Board

About Us

Brand Partnerships

Contact Support

Contact for Brand Partnerships


Privacy Cookies


Site Terms


Brand Terms


Expert Terms

© 2022 Beautytap. All rights reserved.