Mole
Moles are very common skin growths. Most moles are harmless, but some moles can be abnormal or cancerous. Skin cancer starts in damaged skin cells. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. Melanoma usually starts from a mole that becomes cancerous. Removing suspicious or abnormal moles can help find skin cancer early. When a mole looks abnormal, a doctor can remove it. Testing the removed mole helps determine if it is cancerous. Finding and removing abnormal moles early is important to prevent skin cancer or treat it early. This paper talks about reasons to get a mole removed, how moles are removed, and how this helps prevent and diagnose skin cancer.
The Damaging Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from natural sunlight and artificial sources like tanning beds is a major risk factor for all types of skin cancer. UV radiation causes genetic mutations in skin cells that can lead to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation.
There are two main types of UV radiation that damage skin:
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are linked to skin aging and wrinkling, but they also play a role in some skin cancers.
UVB rays penetrate less deeply but are more directly associated with sunburns and DNA damage that leads to skin cancer.
Too much exposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds, significantly raises your skin cancer risk.
Understanding Your Risk Factors
While anyone can get skin cancer, some people are at higher risk. Risk factors include:
- Fair skin, light hair, and eye color. Melanin helps protect the skin from UV radiation. Less melanin means less protection.
- History of sunburns. Getting five or more blistering sunburns before age 20 increases melanoma risk by 80%. If you have a history of frequent sunburns, regular skin exams by a dermatologist in Lawrenceville Georgia can help detect skin cancer early.
- Excessive sun exposure. People who spend significant time in the sun without protection either recreationally (frequent sunbathing or outdoor sports) or occupationally (farming, fishing, construction) have a higher likelihood of skin damage over time that can lead to cancer. Using tanning beds also counts as excessive exposure.
- Living at high altitudes or in regions with year-round bright sun. Intense, constant sun exposure is more likely in certain geographic regions and elevations. In the U.S., states like Texas, California, Utah, Arizona, and Florida have higher rates of skin cancer diagnoses.
- Weakened immune system. Organ transplant recipients, chemotherapy patients, and people living with HIV/AIDS or autoimmune conditions can be up to 250 times more likely to develop skin cancer. Immunosuppression lowers the skin’s defenses against sun damage.
- Family history of melanoma. Around 10% of melanomas run in families.
- Presence of many moles or unusual-looking moles. While any new or changing mole needs evaluation, people with dysplastic nevi or more than 50 common moles have a slightly increased risk of melanoma.
Protecting Yourself from UV Damage
Reducing sun exposure and taking protective measures can significantly lower your risk of skin cancer. Steps to take include:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ liberally and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
- Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, tightly woven fabrics, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Tanning pills and oils are also unsafe.
- Examine your skin regularly for any new or changing moles or spots.
- Get annual skin exams by a dermatologist, especially if you are high-risk.
These precautions, along with awareness of your personal risk factors, are key to reducing UV damage and catching any skin changes early.
Performing Regular Skin Self-Exams
Skin self-exams help you identify any new or changing moles and spots that may need evaluation by a dermatologist.
Follow these tips when performing self-exams:
- Examine all areas of your skin including hard-to-see places like your scalp, back, and between toes.
- Use a full-length and handheld mirror to get a closer look.
- Check your skin in a well-lit room. Natural outdoor light is best.
- Learn what’s normal for your skin and take note of your moles’ size, shape, and color.
- Be alert to any new moles or changes in existing moles, like irregular borders, asymmetry, larger size, color changes, or bleeding/itching.
- Photograph moles to monitor them for changes over time.
- Ask someone to help check your back and other hard-to-see areas.
- See your dermatologist if you notice any suspicious moles or spots.
Being familiar with your skin and performing self-exams monthly are essential for early detection.
Types of Skin Cancer and What to Look For
There are three major types of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer but the least dangerous. It appears as a raised, smooth, pearly bump or reddish patch of skin. BCCs grow slowly and rarely spread beyond the original tumor site.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is more likely to spread but still rarely fatal. It often arises from actinic keratoses – scaly, crusty skin patches caused by sun damage. SCCs may bleed and scab and can resemble warts or open sores.
Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer. In the early stages, melanoma appears as an irregularly shaped mole with an uneven border and color variations. More advanced melanomas can have darker black, blue, or white coloration and may bleed or itch.
See your dermatologist right away if you notice any unusual moles or skin changes resembling the above descriptions. Skin cancer caught early is highly treatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I do a skin self-exam?
Experts recommend performing thorough skin self-exams at least once per month. High-risk individuals may need to do exams more frequently.
Are spray tans and bronzers safe alternatives to tanning outside?
Yes, when used in moderation. Spray tans and bronzers provide a sun-kissed glow without exposing skin to UV radiation. Just be sure to have them applied by a professional.
What should I do if I find a suspicious mole during a self-exam?
Make an appointment with your dermatologist right away. Getting an unusual mole evaluated quickly is key for early diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor can examine the mole and determine if a biopsy is needed.
Conclusion
Skin cancer is largely preventable with vigilance and sun protection. Perform self-exams routinely, know your risk factors, limit UV exposure, and see your dermatologist for regular screening. With early detection, most skin cancers can be treated successfully.
Regularly checking your skin and getting professional checks allows for the early detection of abnormal moles. Removing suspicious moles is important, as it allows them to be examined for cancer cells before they can spread. Though mole removal alone does not prevent skin cancer, it enables early diagnosis and treatment. Combined with sun protection, regular skin checks and prompt mole removal provide the best defense against skin cancer by detecting it at its earliest and most treatable stages.
