2024-01-29 09:31:36
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If a birthmark has changed even slightly in size, shape or color, you should see a doctor to rule out skin cancer or have it detected and treated early.
Public figures such as Duchess Sarah Margaret Ferguson, also known as “Fergie”, and celebrities, such as singer Jimmy Buffett, are bringing the disease and possible serious consequences even more into the public eye. The divorced wife of the British Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was diagnosed with skin cancer shortly after suffering from breast cancer and the associated surgical removal of her breast (mastectomy). The world-famous songwriter Buffett even died as a result of skin cancer.
In order to avoid serious skin cancer, it is advisable not only to know and rule out risk factors, but also to have regular check-ups carried out by a dermatologist. People with many moles in particular should carry out regular skin self-checks using a simple ABCDE test. What other skin signs you should pay attention to.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. In Germany, the number of new cases of aggressive black skin cancer increased fivefold between 1970 and 2020, and young people are also increasingly affected. The number of deaths has been growing steadily since 1997. Skin cancer is now one of the most common types of cancer – alongside breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer.
Preventing skin cancer: When it makes sense to remove a birthmark – pay attention to size, shape and color
If an existing mole changes in size, shape or color, if it itches or bleeds, you should urgently see a dermatologist for an examination. © imageBROKER/Rudolf/Imago
Basically, according to the German Cancer Society e. V. (DKG) A distinction is made between two types of skin cancer: the often more aggressive, black skin cancer, which is more likely to form metastases – especially in the lungs, liver, bones or brain – and the non-melanoma skin cancer, which is divided into basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Black skin cancer often develops from a birthmark that changes at the cellular level.
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Signs of possible malignant, black skin cancer can be:
- The mole has recently formed or is showing changes in size, shape, color or surface texture and may occasionally be raised.
- The shape of the skin mole is irregular and deviates from the typical round or oval shape.
- The outline of the mole is indistinct, wavy or irregular, possibly with rough or finger-like projections.
- The color of the skin mole is uneven and can vary from deep black to various light tones.
- The skin mole already has a diameter of more than five millimeters.
- A mole that itches, burns, oozes, or bleeds should be observed particularly closely.
If you notice any of these signs, you should have the mole checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible. Conspicuous birthmarks are recorded and, if necessary, surgically removed. The tissue is then sent to the laboratory to check for possible degenerated cells that indicate skin cancer.
First signs of skin cancer: What should you pay attention to during self-checks and the ABCDE rule?
Although malignant melanomas can vary greatly in appearance, they usually appear as dark or black spots. However, it is also possible that they appear “livid”, that is, gray, dark gray, lead gray, blue-gray, bluish-purple or even reddish. In terms of shape, they can be flat, protrude above the surface of the skin, or have a nodular texture.
Signs of skin cancer: also rely on regular self-examination
Important to know: Skin cancer and possible precursors are visible and palpable. Through regular self-examinations, you also have the opportunity to identify new skin changes at an early stage or determine whether existing moles have increased in size.
The ABCDE rule is based on loud German Cancer Society (DKG) on the following criteria:
- A for asymmetry
Is a new dark skin patch irregularly shaped or the shape of an existing skin patch changed. - B for limitation
A dark patch of skin appears with blurred or ragged contours. - C for “Colour”
A striking feature is a spot that is not uniformly colored and is instead interspersed with pink, gray or black dots. - D for diameter
It is recommended to have moles or moles checked by a doctor if they are larger than five millimeters in diameter or have a hemispherical structure. Even smaller lesions of less than five millimeters can be an indicator of melanoma. - E for grandeur
If a mole protrudes more than a millimeter into the skin and the surface is rough, scaly or crusty.
Black skin cancer: Genetic predisposition plays an important role
The genetic predisposition to skin cancer also has an influence. For people who have multiple individual risk factors, the risk of developing skin cancer increases up to 120-fold. Example risk factors include:
- Light skin type, i.e. skin types I and II
- Red or blonde hair
- Tendency to have freckles and/or sunspots
- Immediate relatives who have also developed malignant melanoma as skin cancer
In the case of the British Duchess “Fergie”, it turns out that her father Ronald Ferguson had already suffered from skin cancer in addition to prostate cancer in his earlier years.
Increased risk of skin cancer: which risk groups it affects
People are particularly at risk of developing skin cancer if:
- At least 100 initially inconspicuous moles on the body
- At least five abnormal, atypical-looking moles and at least 50 normal-looking moles
- At least five conspicuous, atypical-looking moles and at least two first-degree immediate family members with skin cancer
- A skin cancer that has already occurred in the past
In principle, these factors can increase the risk of disease, but they do not necessarily have to lead to skin cancer.
Excessive UV radiation and tanning salons as a significant risk
The risk of developing skin cancer increases by at least 75 percent with regular visits to tanning salons. Visiting a tanning salon just once a month for a year is enough to increase this risk. Natural sunlight should be avoided, especially around midday, especially in summer.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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