Don’t Ignore That Mole: Skin Cancer Facts You Need to Know

Are you concerned about a recently developed mole on your skin? It’s hard to ignore, given the potential for it to be skin cancer. Skin cancer is indeed the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States.^[1]

This article will discuss skin cancer, including its prevalence, risk factors, detection methods, diagnosis and treatment options, prevention strategies, the importance of seeking timely medical advice, and the role of telemedicine in early detection.

Skin Cancer in 2025: Why Awareness Still Saves Lives

• Skin cancer is a significant public health concern. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. More than 1 million Americans are living with melanoma.
• Melanoma, while less common than other skin cancers, is a serious concern. It is estimated that 212,200 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025, comprising 107,240 noninvasive (in situ) and 104,960 invasive cases. Invasive melanoma is projected to be the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer for both men (60,550 cases) and women (44,410 cases) in 2025.
• Melanoma rates in the United States have been rising. Over the past 30 years, melanoma rates doubled from 1982 to 2011, and there has been a 31.5% increase between 2011 and 2019.
• In contrast, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common forms of skin cancer, are highly treatable if detected early and treated properly.
• Despite the seriousness of melanoma, overall melanoma death rates in the U.S. drastically declined from 2014 through 2022 by nearly 4%.^[1]

Early Detection Changes Everything

Skin cancer often announces itself with subtle changes that are easy to overlook. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Keep an eye out for:

• Any mole or skin lesion that changes in size, shape, or color.
• The appearance of any new growth on your skin.
• A sore that doesn’t heal.

The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that if you observe any spots that look different from the rest, or anything that’s changing, itching, or bleeding, it’s crucial to consult a board-certified dermatologist.

When skin cancer is detected early, treatment is often more effective. Early detection significantly impacts survival rates; the five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99%. However, the five-year survival rate decreases to 75% for melanoma that spreads to nearby lymph nodes and further decreases to 35% for melanoma that spreads to distant lymph nodes and other organs.

This success relies on a team of healthcare professionals working together, including dermatologists, primary care physicians, pathologists, surgeons, and other specialists. These professionals use their combined skills and knowledge to accurately diagnose and manage skin cancer, from recognizing its varied appearances to performing biopsies and analyzing tissue samples.

How to Examine Your Skin: The ABCDEs and Beyond

Regular skin self-exams are a crucial tool for early skin cancer detection; approximately half of all melanomas are detected by patients themselves.^[2] Self-exams are particularly important for individuals at higher risk, such as those with a personal or family history of skin cancer. Dermatologists can provide personalized recommendations on the frequency of professional skin exams, considering individual risk factors like skin type, sun exposure history, and family history.

When examining lesions, remember the ABCDE criteria for identifying potentially malignant melanoma:

• Asymmetry – One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half in shape. Melanomas are often irregular, whereas normal moles tend to be symmetrical
• Border irregularity – The edges are uneven, scalloped, or blurry. Instead of a smooth, round border, a melanoma may have a jagged or poorly defined outline.
• Color variability – The color is not uniform. You may observe multiple colors, including tan, brown, black, red, white, or blue, within the same lesion — a sign of possible malignancy. Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown.
• Diameter greater than 6 mm – Melanomas are often larger than this, but they can sometimes start smaller as well.
• Evolution (change) – The mole is changing over time. This could mean it’s growing in size, changing in color or shape, or developing new symptoms like bleeding or itching. Any evolution or noticeable change in a spot is a red flag.

If a mole pigment shows any of these characteristics, have it evaluated by a dermatologist without a delay.

Diagnosis

Patients at risk for cutaneous malignancy typically undergo a full-body skin examination by a medical professional. While primary care providers can perform this exam, specialists with advanced dermatology training may use dermoscopy for a more detailed inspection of suspicious lesions.

Most concerning lesions identified during a physical examination will undergo a skin biopsy, commonly a shave or punch biopsy performed under local anesthesia during an outpatient visit. The specimen is then sent to a dermatopathologist for interpretation. If the pathologist confirms a diagnosis of cutaneous malignancy, further intervention is typically required, guided by the pathological diagnosis and clinical context. In some cases, laboratory tests may be necessary for prognostication or to assess the extent of the disease (e.g., HIV testing for suspected Kaposi sarcoma).

Biopsy type varies depending on the suspected skin cancer. A shave or punch biopsy is often adequate for most nonmelanoma skin cancers, provided it reaches sufficient depth. For melanoma, complete excisional removal is recommended. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans require a deep incisional biopsy. For cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a broad-shave biopsy is preferred, while cutaneous B-cell lymphoma requires a deep incisional biopsy. Imaging may be necessary to assess bony invasion, as in squamous cell carcinoma. Adherence to specific tumor guidelines, such as those from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), is important, as these are frequently updated.

Treatment

The way we treat skin cancer is very personal – it’s all about finding the best approach for you and your specific situation.

If you have those rough, pre-cancerous spots called actinic keratoses, we might treat them individually. One common way is freezing them off, called cryotherapy. But if you have a lot of these spots or widespread sun damage, it might be better to treat the whole area. This could involve creams you put on your skin, such as 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, or tirbanibulin (Klisyri), which was approved in 2020 for treating actinic keratoses on the face or scalp. Another option is photodynamic therapy, where we put a special cream on your skin and then use a specific light to treat the area.

For many early-stage skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma that are on the surface of the skin, can often  be treated with creams or local treatments. But the most common way to remove these is with surgery. This might involve methods like electrodesiccation and curettage (where the cancer is scraped away and the area is treated with an electric current) or simply cutting the cancer out. If the cancer is larger or in an area where it’s important to preserve appearance or function, like your face, we might recommend a special type of surgery called Mohs micrographic surgery. This allows us to remove the cancer layer by layer and check under a microscope until all the cancer cells are gone, ensuring the best possible outcome while saving healthy tissue.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

UV Radiation Exposure

• Excessive exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or indoor tanning increases risk for all skin cancer types.
• The majority of melanoma cases are attributable to UV exposure.
• Sunscreen use may reduce melanoma risk.
• Sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, increase melanoma risk.
• Experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases melanoma risk by 80% and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk by 68%.
• Tanning bed use increases melanoma risk, including early-onset melanoma.
• Women younger than 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors.
• Earlier and increased frequency of indoor tanning increases the risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

Individual Characteristics

• Skin that burns easily.
• Blonde or red hair.
• Sun-sensitive individuals (e.g., those who sunburn easily, or have natural blonde or red hair).
• Increased melanoma risk is associated with having more than 50 moles, atypical moles, or large moles.
• Higher melanoma rates in men may be partly due to lower rates of sun protection and lower rates of skin self-examination or dermatologist visits compared to women.

Medical History and Conditions

• A personal history of skin cancer.
• A weakened immune system.
• Blood or marrow transplant recipients.
• Childhood cancer survivors.
• A family history of melanoma.
• Melanoma survivors have an approximately eight-fold increased risk of developing another melanoma compared to the general population.
• A history of nonmelanoma skin cancer increases the risk of developing melanoma.

Genetic Factors

• Genetic predispositions, as seen in xeroderma pigmentosum, neurofibromatosis, and retinoblastoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma mutations include PTCH and p53 gene mutations.
• Melanoma mutations involve alterations in CDKN2A, MC1R, BRAF, and DNA repair enzymes (e.g., UV-specific endonuclease in xeroderma pigmentosum).

Other Factors

• Radiation exposure.
• Environmental carcinogens (e.g., arsenic and pollution).
• Comorbid conditions.
• Organ transplant history (e.g., thoracic cavity solid organ transplant recipients have a higher risk than those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell, renal, or other solid organ transplants).
• Certain infections (e.g., human papillomavirus).
• Vitamin levels.
• Occupational exposure.
• Some skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma, are rare but aggressive and often associated with the Merkel cell polyomavirus. Virus-positive tumors may respond better to immunotherapy in some studies, but the overall prognosis remains poor. ^[1],[2]

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Because exposure to UV light is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends several protective measures:

• Avoid indoor tanning beds.
• Protect your skin outdoors by:
  • Seeking shade.
  • Wearing protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.

For more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

Because severe sunburns during childhood and adolescence may increase one’s risk of melanoma, children should be especially protected from the sun.

When to Ask for a Dermatologist’s Opinion

You should see a dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes to your skin or if you’re worried about a specific spot. It’s especially important to make an appointment if you see any of the warning signs we talked about earlier:

• Changes following the ABCDE rule.
• A new or changing skin growth.
• A sore that doesn’t heal.

Don’t wait to see if the spot goes away on its own, because skin cancer can grow or spread in the meantime. It’s best to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible. A dermatologist can examine the area with special tools, like a dermatoscope, and can do a quick biopsy if needed to find out if it’s cancer.

For regular check-ups, think about seeing a dermatologist once a year for a skin exam. This is especially important if you have fair skin, many moles, or a history of a lot of sun exposure. They can map your moles and keep track of any changes over time. Between these visits, continue to check your own skin every month and write down any changes to discuss with your doctor.

A Quiet Reminder to Look Closer

Skin cancer, especially melanoma, is a common concern, but early detection significantly improves outcomes. By understanding the warning signs (ABCDE), performing regular skin self-exams, and promptly seeking advice from a dermatologist for any suspicious changes, you increase your chances of catching skin cancer when it is most treatable. Proactive skin health, including encouraging loved ones to do the same, is key. Through awareness, prevention, and timely action, we can lessen the impact of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

Medical Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.