Dermatologist in Colorado Springs, CO.

Cancer is a grave concern and with good reason. Not only is cancer potentially deadly, it’s also quite common. Fortunately, skin cancer can often be spotted early on, and with proper treatment, is often highly survivable. However, it’s easy to overlook common signs of skin cancer as they may appear innocuous at first.

If you live near Colorado Springs, CO and are fretting skin cancer, visit the Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center.

The survival rate for early state melanoma is about 99 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. However, should the cancer reach the lymph nodes (regional), survivability drops to about 68 percent. Should the cancer metastasize to distant organs, survivability drops to 30 percent.

In other words, it’s vital to catch cancer early.

It’s wise to take a look at your skin at least once a month in a full body mirror. While looking for signs, you should use the ABCDE rule, meaning that you examine marks and look at Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, and if they’re Evolving.

Check For Asymmetrical Marks or Marks With Rough Borders

Non-Cancerous marks, say a birth mark, are often symmetrical, meaning one side of the mark will often match the other. For example, the mark might be a rounded circle. Cancerous marks, on the other hand are often asymmetrical. If you have asymmetrical moles or other marks, a doctor should examine it.

Cancerous growths often have rough edges as well. If you find a mole with rough edges, it’s wise to speak with a doctor.

Examine the Color of the Mole or Mark

Benign moles and marks are often singular in color. Typically, a benign mole will be entirely made up of one shade of brown. A cancerous mole, on the other hand, might appear in different shades. A cancerous mole might be tan, brown, and black at once. The cancerous mole may also contain shades of blue, red, or white.

If you find a multicolored mark, contact a doctor. If you live near Colorado Springs, CO and are worried about skin cancer get in touch with the Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center.

How Big Is The Mark and Is it Growing?

You should pay especially close attention to larger moles. If the mark is wider in diameter than a standard pencil eraser, about a quarter of an inch, it’s especially important to have it checked out.

Also, benign moles stay the same shape, size, and color. Cancerous moles are more likely to evolve, changing in size, shape, and color. If the marks seem to be “evolving” you’ll want to contact a doctor.

Residents living near Colorado Springs, CO and worried about skin cancer can contact the Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center at (719) 574-0310.