The ABCDEs of concerning skin spots

I. am. sad! The summer coffee roast has been replaced by a Pumpkin Spice menu. Christmas decor has replaced the isle previously dedicated to inflatable pool unicorns and donuts. Huge bags of candy line the grocery store rows where there were once bottles of sunscreen and large brim hats. I have (reluctantly) come to terms with the majority of my pool days in 2022 being behind me and I’ll give the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) a chance. But, while some are jumping for joy for hoodie weather, I still reminisce on the days the hot sun bounced off my skin.

Thanks to sunscreen, “bounced off” may be a slightly more accurate term than saying I “soaked up” the sun. I hope the sun “bounced off” everyone this summer. We all know the sun can damage our skin and increase our risk of skin cancer, so, skin spots (also called skin lesions) or weird looking moles are always a bit worrisome, and even more so for those who love to “soak up” the sun.

Here is the cheat sheet doctors use to determine the likelihood a “weird mole” is potentially cancerous… remember A, B, C, D, E.

A - Asymmetry - If a line is drawn through the center of the skin spot, do the two halves match? Symmetry, or the halves being very similar to one another, is a reassuring sign.

B - Boarders - The outermost part of the skin spot is called the boarder and goes all the way around the lesion. If the boarder looks smooth and uniform, it is reassuring. If however the boarder is “irregular” and has many shapes, peninsulas, bays, islands, ect. that is a more concerning factor.

C - Color - A uniform color is reassuring. Skin spots that have a variety of different colors within the same spot make it more suspicious than a spot of only one, solid color.

D - Diameter - This is a rather simple one. Any spot over 6mm is considered something to keep a close eye on!

E - Evolution - Last but certainly not least, evolution is referring to how a spot is changing over time. If a spot is changing in size, shape, color, or starts bleeding or scabbing, it is a sign to have the spot checked out closely by a well-trained provider.

Now, go take a look at some skin spots on yourself and give yourself a quiz. All of these factors play a major role in determining the risk of a skin lesion and there are MANY other factors outside of this reference that must be considered when determining if an area of skin is concerning for cancer. Using these 5 factors and several other factors, doctors can determine if a small portion of skin needs to be biopsied (removed) for further evaluation under a microscope. If you or someone you know has a “weird mole” or any spot that concerns you, please contact your primary care doctor or dermatologist for a skin exam as soon as possible! Do not delay this! And, if you’re out in the sun, even during the PSL season, please wear sunscreen.

Best in health,

Landen B. Green, DO

Caravel Health DPC