As much as we love our sunny New Mexico climate, the intense UV exposure results in a higher risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer can present in many different ways.
A basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common type of skin cancer, typically presents on sun-exposed regions. It’s usually a slowly growing pink bump that sometimes bleeds and scabs with minimal trauma.
A squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is the second most common type of skin cancer, also presents in sun-exposed parts of the body. It tends to be firmer than a BCC, a bit less pink, and often has a scaly surface.
A melanoma is usually a pigmented lesion, but in rare cases can have no pigment at all. The warning signs that a pigmented lesion may be a melanoma are remembered with the mnemonic ABCDEF. A stands for asymmetry. The pigmented lesion should be quite symmetrical. B stands for border. The border should be well-defined and smoothly rounded. A smudgy border or an irregular contour of the border are warning signs. C stands for color. Variability of colors within the pigmented lesion are concerning. It should be a uniform color. D stands for diameter. A normal pigmented lesion should be 6 mm or less. E stands for evolution. A changing pigmented lesion is another warning sign. Finally, F stands for funny looking. This used to be called the Ugly Duckling Sign. If a pigmented lesion is markedly different from all of your other pigmented lesions, then this is a warning sign.
There are many other types of skin cancers aside from these three. If you have a skin growth that is new and changing it would be wise to make an appointment to see us for a skin check.
Please contact us if you have any concerns or questions about skin cancer.