Signs You Should Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening Immediately

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, affecting millions of individuals across all age groups every year. While this fact can be daunting, it’s important to remember that early detection can save lives. The key to early detection? Paying attention to your skin and recognizing when it’s time to schedule a skin cancer screening or, Total Body Skin Exam. Proactive skin health management can help you catch potential skin cancers before they become dangerous, and regular screenings play a crucial role in this process.

At Cumberland Skin Surgery and Dermatology, we’re committed to educating our patients on the warning signs of skin cancer. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Let’s walk through the specific symptoms and skin changes that should prompt an immediate visit to your dermatologist.

If you observe any of these changes, it’s crucial to have your mole checked by a dermatologist. These warning signs can sometimes indicate melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer that can spread if not caught early:

Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.

Border: The mole's edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.

Color: The mole contains multiple colors, such as different shades of brown, black, or even red.

Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.

Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color over time.

Swelling or redness around a mole, growth, or patch of skin is another red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. In some cases, these signs may indicate inflammation but can also signal that a mole or skin growth is undergoing malignant transformation. If your skin looks swollen, feels tender, or has persistent redness, especially around a growth or mole, seek professional evaluation immediately.

Any mole or skin growth that suddenly becomes itchy, painful, or tender to the touch should be checked out. These sensations are often subtle but can be early indicators that something is wrong. Unexplained discomfort is your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.

A sore that won’t heal or keeps reopening is a potential sign of skin cancer. If you have a sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts over and doesn’t seem to get better with time, it’s crucial to schedule a screening. Non-healing sores are often associated with basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can be treated effectively if caught early.

Rough, scaly, or dry patches of skin, especially in areas frequently exposed to the sun, like the neck, hands, and face, may also indicate early signs of skin cancer. These patches are often mistaken for dry skin or eczema, but persistent changes in texture should be evaluated by a dermatologist, particularly if they don’t improve with moisturizing or other treatments.

Bleeding or oozing from a mole or skin growth is an immediate red flag. If you notice any liquid coming from a mole, it’s important to have it checked as soon as possible. Skin cancer can cause the skin to break down, leading to bleeding or discharge.

Staying vigilant about your skin’s health is the best way to ensure early detection of skin cancer. If you’ve noticed any new growths, changes in moles, or other skin abnormalities, don’t wait—schedule a Total Body Skin Exam (TBSE). At Cumberland Skin Surgery and Dermatology, we offer comprehensive skin screenings to help detect issues early and provide expert care.

Don’t wait for warning signs to worsen. Proactively managing your skin health can make a life-saving difference. Contact Cumberland Skin Surgery and Dermatology today to schedule your skin cancer screening.