Skin Cancer -- What to Look For

To perform an effective skin self-exam, a person should become familiar with all the marks on his or her body -- freckles, moles, scars, age spots, birthmarks, and other lesions -- and note the size, shape, color, texture, and condition of any unique marks. The following characteristics may indicate potential cancers:

• Asymmetry: Marks that are not generally round with a uniform shape may be cause for concern.
• Border: Precancerous and cancerous lesions are more likely to have jagged, irregular borders.
• Color: A mark that changes color, becoming lighter or darker, or one that is not uniform in color may be dangerous.
• Diameter: Pay careful attention to any mark that is larger than 1/4 inch in diameter; that's about the size of a pencil eraser.
• Elevation: Take note of moles or markings that become raised or develop an uneven texture.

In addition to the signs above, a mole that itches, bleeds, doesn't heal, or grows very fast requires a professional medical evaluation. A person knows his or her skin better than anyone and should schedule a visit with a healthcare provider if anything about the skin seems unusual.