#melanomamonday

See something NEW, CHANGING, or UNUSUAL?

Visit Exemplar Care, if you see any suspicious changes with your skin. #melanomamonday

The Number One Sign of Melanoma

Unfortunately, an estimated 197,700  new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022., 50% of these will be invasive. Catching skin cancer early is the key to making a full recovery. 

Melanoma can be identified by:

New or Changing Moles

To help you identify characteristics of unusual moles, think ABCDE

  • A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.
  • B is for irregular borders. Look for moles with irregular, notched, or scalloped borders — characteristics of melanomas.
  • C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.
  • D is for diameter. Look for new growth in a mole larger than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters).
  • E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding

The Hidden Symptoms

  • A wound that isn’t healing.
  • Pigment that has spread beyond the border of a mole.
  • Swelling/redness outside the border of a mole.
  • Itchiness, tenderness, or pain in a mole.
  • Mole surface changes such as bleeding, scaliness, or the appearance of a bump or lump.
  • Can occur on soles of feet, palms of hands, and fingernail beds

It is imperative that any changes in your skin be seen as soon as possible.

If you’re worried about a mole or spot on your skin, eye, scalp, etc. consider visiting Exemplar Care for a medical assessment. Visit Exemplar Care Urgent Care now or sign up for primary care membership.

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