4 Steps of Skin Cancer Detection & Removal

Skin cancer can be a tricky disease to diagnose. There are many things that you have to look for when examining your skin, and the signs of cancer aren’t always clear. Turn to Colorado Skin Surgery & Dermatology for skin cancer biopsies, treatment, and more. If you want the best chance at catching skin cancer early on, we have explained the four steps of skin cancer detection and removal.

inspecting mole

Follow the ABCDE Rule

When you’re following the ABCDE rule, you may be able to detect skin cancer early on in order to treat it more easily. 

  • Asymmetry - Many moles and freckles are even in shape, whereas skin cancer is not. If one side of a birthmark or mole does not match the other, that may be a sign of skin cancer.
  • Border - Look for jagged, notched, blurred, or irregular edges on your mark as a sign of skin cancer.
  • Color - Colors will vary when it comes to skin cancer, so be aware of different shades of brown, black, tan with patches of pink, red, white, or blue. 
  • Diameter - Stay cautious of marks that are larger than ¼ inches across.
  • Evolving - Marks that can be skin cancer will evolve into different shapes, sizes, or colors.

Perform a Self-Exam

When performing a self-exam, examine your body in a full-length mirror so you are able to view any potential skin cancer spots. All skin cancer can look different, so it’s important to also see a professional, including those at Colorado Skin Surgery & Dermatology, for further examination if you’re in need of skin cancer treatment.

man looking at skin cancer spot
Large mole

Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy involves taking a small sample of your skin to be examined and tested, helping to identify any forms of skin cancer. Once there is a diagnosis you can begin your skin cancer treatment.

Removal

If you are able to catch skin cancer in its earliest stages, there is a good chance that it can be removed completely. In more advanced cases, however, the cancer may have spread too far for complete removal. This is why early detection is so important. Contact Colorado Skin Surgery & Dermatology to learn more about our skin cancer removal.

Skin spot removal

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Colorado Skin Surgery & Dermatology provides skin cancer biopsies and treatment for patients throughout the Denver area. Contact us to learn more about our skin cancer services.

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