Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States; in fact, it’s estimated by the American Academy of Dermatology that approximately 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. That means skin cancer of all types can be surprisingly common…
But how do you know if you should be worried?
At Twin Ports Dermatology, we want to empower you with the knowledge needed to stay on top of possible skin cancer scares. Check out our five tips for identifying skin cancer and the signs you may need to schedule a checkup with our team.
*Individual results may vary
5 Signs You May Need a Skin Cancer Checkup
1. You have a pimple-like lesion that won’t go away.
If you have a small bump or lesion that resembles a pimple, but hasn’t disappeared after several weeks, it may be a sign that you need to get your skin checked over by a dermatologist. It may be benign, as some forms of keratosis can take on this appearance.
Either way, if a pimple-like lesion is making you nervous, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
2. Your mole has changed shape.
A changing mole can be a sign that the lesion may be cancerous. This is why it’s important to carefully track all moles on your skin, as well as what they look like and how they may have changed over the months.
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3. A mole has grown in size.
If one of your moles has grown significantly over the years – to the point where it’s larger than the size of a pea – you should get it checked out by a dermatologist right away.
4. Your mole has odd borders.
Benign moles usually have smooth or symmetrical borders. However, if you have a mole whose edges are blurred, jagged, or just strange-looking in general, you should schedule an appointment at Twin Ports Dermatology for an examination.
5. You have a family history of skin cancer.
You don’t need to wait for a mole to appear or change shape to stay on top of skin cancer. If you have a history of skin cancer in your family, schedule annual checkups at Twin Ports Dermatology – we can help you stay on top of your skin’s health and well-being.
Take the Next Step
Do you have a mole that you’d like one of our board-certified dermatologists to take a look at ASAP?
Schedule a spot check or a full-body exam with one of our Dermatology Providers. We are accepting new patients, do not require a referral, and accept most major insurances. Twin Ports Dermatology can see patients in our Duluth, MN clinic, or at one of our two outreach locations – Cloquet, MN at the Raiter Clinic or Cook, MN at the Cook Hospital. You can request an appointment online or call our office directly to schedule – (218) 302-1000.
