When people plan outside activities or a trip to the tanning salon, skin cancer may be the last thing on their minds. However, prolonged or intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays — either from the sun or tanning beds — is harmful to your skin.
Skin cancer can be sneaky when it starts. The disease often begins as just a mole and, if left untreated, can develop into a bigger skin problem. Melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, is a growing concern for many health experts.
“Of all skin cancers, melanoma is the most serious and it is becoming increasingly more common worldwide,” said Dr. Dean Kirkel, oncologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. “The disease can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, and even be potentially fatal.”
Since hiding away from the sun isn’t an option, you can make better choices for your skin health, such as wearing sunscreen, skipping the tanning bed and avoiding sunburns.
In addition to protecting your skin, you can take charge of your health with simple steps to catch skin cancer earlier.
Spotting Skin Cancer Early
Published on May 21, 2021
Last updated 12:11 PM May 21, 2021
Studies show that patients who are evaluated by a skin professional tend to have cancers that are detected at an earlier stage of development.
- Dr. Dean Kirkel
Oncologist
Watch for signs of skin cancer
Unlike other forms of cancers, skin cancer can be seen by the naked eye. All you need is a mirror to start a self-exam and check for the major warning signs.
“Self-exams are important to identify dark skin lesions that appear different from freckles or other spots,” Dr. Kirkel said. “The ABCDE criteria can help identify potentially cancerous skin lesions.”
Follow the ABCDE method below to spot skin changes, such as moles that may look different or even spots you never noticed before.
- Asymmetry – Both halves of a mole should be similar.
- Border – Moles should have regular borders. Irregular borders are common in melanomas.
- Color – An existing mole that changes color should be checked out.
- Diameter – Look for any new growth in a mole larger than an inch.
- Evolving – Watch for changes in a mole over time. A mole that itches or one that hardens should be brought to the attention of your Wellstar physician.
Comprehensive care for skin cancer
While self-exams may be a critical step in looking out for skin cancer, you can’t stop there. It’s important to bring noticeable skin changes to your doctor’s attention right away.
“Studies show that patients who are evaluated by a skin professional tend to have cancers that are detected at an earlier stage of development,” Dr. Kirkel advised.
When caught early, skin cancer is often treated effectively or even eliminated entirely. That’s how many patients like Frank Ryan recover from melanoma and return to their lives.
At Wellstar, we diagnose skin cancer with state-of-the-art technology, such as ultrasound and MRI imaging. Our specialized team will create a personalized care plan for you, whether that includes surgery, radiation therapy or other treatments.
Book an appointment with your Wellstar primary care physician to identify and discuss changes in your skin. Your provider can refer you to a specialist for further examination and treatment, so you can get the expert care you need.
Related Articles
PeopleCare
Wellstar PeopleCare | Reaching New Heights After Head & Neck Cancer
David Butler's cancer journey took him through a rare jaw reconstruction, multiple rounds of radiation treatment, chemotherapy, intense rehabilitation and coordinated care from specialists across Wellstar.
From survival to summit
After David did the hard work of fighting cancer twice and feeling like recovery was truly sailing along, he set a new goal. David and one of his daughters, Madeline Hawkins, completed a hiking and camping trip that included summiting Blood Mountain in North Georgia. They covered 14 miles, camping overnight and making friends along the trail.
The hike wasn't easy.
“I forgot you have to be half mountain goat!” he quipped.
David moved at his own pace and pushed through lingering fatigue. Reaching the summit’s stunning vista at Preacher’s Rock was a reminder of how far he had come since his cancer diagnosis.
PeopleCare
Wellstar PeopleCare | Beating Cancer Twice with Coordinated Care
David Butler’s cancer journey began when he underwent treatment for an aggressive head and neck cancer. Supported by his family, faith and a team of head and neck cancer specialists, he had part of his jaw removed and went through radiation therapy and intense rehabilitation.
A major setback
The same year of his jaw surgery and initial radiation course, David’s recovery was beginning to feel like “smooth sailing.” Just as life started to feel manageable again, he faced an unexpected challenge.
David and his wife, Jill, got devastating news: routine follow-up imaging revealed three new tumors on the other side of his neck and tongue. Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, David’s cancer surgeon, removed lymph nodes from David’s neck, had them biopsied and confirmed that it was an aggressive cancer.
At first, David felt so discouraged that he didn’t want to move forward with treatment.
However, seeing that a group of experts were working together to give him the best, evidence-based treatment path for his unique circumstance gave him confidence to renew his fight against cancer.
PeopleCare
Wellstar PeopleCare | Moving Fast, Working Together: Advanced Head & Neck Cancer Surgery Keeps David Smiling
David Butler's cancer journey took him through a rare jaw reconstruction, radiation and coordinated care from specialists across Wellstar. His care team collaborated to provide what he needed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A bothersome mouth sore
Lean and energetic, David is quick with a joke and even quicker with a smile. A neatly trimmed mustache frames a grin that lights up his blue eyes, illuminating his trademark optimism and humor. They’re qualities he kept intact throughout cancer treatment and draws on today, when he encourages people who are newly diagnosed with cancer.
It started with a sore on his gum in the fall of 2023. He assumed it would heal on its own. Instead, it got worse. When he could hardly swallow a few months later, his dentist referred him to an oral surgeon for a biopsy. That’s when he got the life-changing news: it was cancer.
“You hear the big C and it scares you to death,” David said. “But there's light at the end of the tunnel. There's always hope.”
What followed was cancer treatment involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and support from a whole team of cancer specialists. Along the way, David said he leaned on his faith, the support of his wife, Jill, who he credits as his biggest advocate—and the expertise of Wellstar caregivers.
