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The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms

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When it comes to your skin, it’s important that you’re taking precautions to keep it safe, healthy, and protected from issues like skin cancer. With skin cancer, the most important thing that you can do is detect any signs as early as possible. The earlier skin cancer is caught, the easier it usually is to treat. You may not be able to remember what to look for with skin cancer, so it’s important to just remember your ABCDEs of melanoma.

The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

When you’re looking to identify signs of skin cancer, it may be overwhelming to remember what all the signs could be. You just have to remember your ABCDEs and checking your skin will be an easy process. This means looking for:

Asymmetry – Often, melanoma starts in moles. Melanoma can make a mole into a strange shape that isn’t symmetrical. Non-cancerous moles tend to be uniform and have an even shape all around.

Border – With melanoma, the borders on a mole are no longer well defined or they are an irregular shape.

Color – If you notice that your mole has changed colors or has several shades, you should be checking it out. Moles are typically brown in color.

Diameter – A mole should not be larger than 6mm in diameter. For reference, that’s the size of a standard pencil. If a mole is larger than that, you should see your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Evolution – Moles don’t tend to change over time. If you notice that any of the above changes occur and a mole completely changes appearance, you should not hesitate to visit your dermatologist for care as soon as possible.

Contact Your Dermatologist Today

Make sure that you know your ABCDEs. Contact your dermatologist to learn more about the signs of melanoma and when you should visit your dermatologist for a checkup.

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I went for a facial with Reganne, and it was wonderful! She was the right balance of chatty and quiet so that I felt personally welcomed but also able to relax and soak in all the luxurious treatment. She also was so kind and considerate, being very careful which products she used because she knew I am sensitive to some fragrances. I scheduled my appointment for the end of my regular work week, and now, this evening I’m feeling fabulous!

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We both chose the practice for our dermatology well checks and any issues that may be discovered during those visits. Most of the practitioners have been great. I also enjoy the facial services they offer at the practice. Both estheticians I have seen there have been wonderful! They have both been very accommodating given multiple allergies that can make my skin reactive. I look forward to my time with the esthetician.

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The entire staff is courteous and very helpful. They were right on time. They work together well. They are accepting of questions and are willing to answer the questions. They offer reminders for follow up appointments. I am very pleased to be a patient of this office.

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As a new patient I greatly appreciated getting an appointment with a few days of submitting my application form instead of a long wait. The staff at the front desk were very pleasant, efficient and helpful in making this happen. The service I received from my doctor was good.

Tom

David M was great in all key areas that were important to me. Skill, bedside manner, updates during the surgery and his summary after the procedure. His nurse was also first rate. Thank you both for all that you did for me. NP Donna has treated me previously at this practice and I echo my comments here for her and the nurses, reception and scheduling employees. Thank you all for a great experience

Jennifer Gemmell

This was the most pleasant doctors appointment I’ve ever experienced. The wait wasn’t too long and there were so many beautiful and interesting things to look at while I was there: beautiful art well presented with identification and background details, fascinating terrariums and other plants, and even an Asian meditation garden. Dr. Macallister was very personable, professional and thorough. I was quite happy with her care. The staff too, were professional and pleasant.

Reece W

Saw Donna and Megan, had a concerning spot on my face. I needed an injection and they put me eat ease and really helped me to feel comfortable and relaxed. Even though the needle stung a little bit I was completely distracted with easy conversation to keep my mind off of what was going on. They were incredibly reassuring and informative and I love going to see them! Thank you Donna and Megan for a quick and easy visit! :)

Don Wood

Great experience from the time I arrived for the appointment til I was finished. Donna Brigham is the most professional specailist I've seen in quite some time. She is very good at explaining everything in layman's terms. Her bedside manner puts you at ease and makes you very comfortable with the procedures she is doing.

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