Skin cancer: is your mole cancerous? An expert shares what to look for



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Having founded Dermasurge in Harley Street, London, Dr. Injibar has been a practicing dermatologist for 20 years. Prior to an intensive field residency internship, she graduated from medical school in 1996.

Highly qualified, Dr. Injibar passes on her specialist knowledge on the deadly skin disease.

In addition to citing the ABCDE mnemonic, it states that “slow-growing pimples or bumps that keep growing” can be a sign of skin cancer.

In fact, “any new onset of growth, pimple or scaly patch” could be indicative of the disease.

Furthermore, he explained that melanomas are cancerous moles that have “grown or changed color”.

“At home, we recommend that people keep an eye on their moles using a full-length mirror,” he begins.

Checking the whole body (including the back and armpits), Dr. Injibar explains in detail how to use the ABCDE mnemonic.

The mnemonic ABCDE

The ABCDE mnemonic is used when checking for moles all over the body. Dr. Injibar asks five questions:

  1. Asymmetrical – “Was it symmetrical and did it become asymmetrical?”
  2. Edge – “Did it have a regular edge that became much more irregular and jagged?”
  3. Color – “Has it changed color? Is it darker or has it turned pink?”
  4. Diameter – “Is it growing? Is it bigger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)?”
  5. Evolving – “Is your overall appearance different from what it was before?”

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“[It] enlarges the lesion, highlighting the structure of the cells and how they are arranged.

“If there is anything suspicious, it will tell us if we need to do a biopsy,” he adds.

There are some people who are considered more susceptible to skin cancer than others.

This includes people with “fair skin, blue eyes, blond hair and freckles”.

Likewise, those taking “immunosuppressive drugs must be especially vigilant.”

This is because the “drug makes them more photosensitive”; this can be seen with people who have a genetic disorder, such as albinism.

What is albinism?

The NHS explained that albinism “affects the production of melanin, which can affect color and vision.”

The hereditary condition can lead to “very pale skin that burns easily in the sun and does not usually tan”.

People who have a family history of skin cancer also need to be more wary of their increased risk of life-threatening disease.

Additionally, Dr. Injibar advises “people who work long periods outdoors in the sun” to “keep an eye on any changes in their skin.”

Also, this precaution extends to people who use tanning beds and those who don’t use an appropriate SPF.

How many times, if at all, do you check your moles? And are there any questions you would like to ask Dr. Injibar about skin cancer?

Please comment below – another piece may follow where your skin cancer questions can be answered.



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