When Should You Get a Spot Checked for Skin Cancer?

Most of us have freckles, moles, or spots on our skin that we’ve had for years without giving them much thought. While many skin changes are harmless, some can be early signs of skin cancer. Knowing what to watch for can make a significant difference in early detection and successful treatment.

Why Early Detection Matters

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The good news is that when found early, many skin cancers are highly treatable. That’s why paying attention to changes in your skin and scheduling regular skin checks is so important.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

One of the easiest ways to evaluate a mole or spot is by using the ABCDE rule:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other half.
B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or poorly defined.
C – Color: The spot contains multiple colors or has uneven coloring.
D – Diameter: The spot is larger than about 6 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolving: The spot changes in size, shape, color, or appearance over time.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to have the area evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Other Skin Cancer Warning Signs

Not all skin cancers look like dark moles. You should also have a spot checked if it:

• Looks different from your other moles or spots
• Continues to grow or spread
• Bleeds, crusts, or won’t heal
• Itches, hurts, or becomes tender
• Appears as a pearly or shiny bump
• Develops as a rough, scaly patch
• Forms a sore that repeatedly heals and returns

Don’t Wait for a Problem to Get Worse

One of the most important skin cancer warning signs is simply noticing that a spot looks different than it used to. If something seems unusual, changing, or concerning, trust your instincts and have it checked.

A quick evaluation can provide peace of mind, and if treatment is needed, early detection offers the best chance for successful outcomes.

Advanced Skin Cancer Care Close to Home

At Decatur County Hospital, patients have access to comprehensive dermatology services, including skin cancer screenings, diagnosis, and advanced treatment options. For many types of skin cancer, Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard treatment because it removes cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Dr. Oben Ojong, a Mohs surgeon and dermatologist, performs Mohs surgery at Decatur County Hospital. This highly specialized procedure offers some of the highest cure rates available for common skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. By providing this advanced treatment locally, patients can receive expert skin cancer care close to home without the burden of traveling long distances.

Protect Your Skin Year-Round

In addition to monitoring your skin, remember to:

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
• Seek shade during peak sun hours
• Avoid tanning beds

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Taking a few minutes to check it regularly can help you spot changes early and protect your health for years to come.

To learn more about these services or schedule an appointment, contact the Decatur County Hospital Outpatient Clinic at 641-446-2285 or visit www.decaturcountyhospital.org.