We don’t usually pay much attention to our skin unless we’re going to be out in the sun for hours on end. Even then, the extent of our care typically doesn’t go far beyond applying sun screen. Because of this, potentially cancerous moles can be really hard to detect. Larger or multicolored moles are good indicators that you should have the mole looked at by a professional, but what are some of the more subtle signs of skin cancer? We share five not-so-obvious signs in this blog.
Pink, Scaly Spots
When people think of skin cancer, they generally picture a mole that is black, blue or dark brown in color, but a pinkish mole can also be an indicator of skin cancer. Pink, scaly spots that do not resolve can be a sign of a precancerous lesion, and they should be examined by a specialist.
Growing Moles
Almost everybody has at least one mole on their body, but the development of new moles, or an apparent change in size of an existing mole are causes for concern. When it comes to moles, no change is a good thing. However, if you notice that it appears to be different than the last time you checked, set up a consultation with a doctor.
Moles Under Nail Beds
The skin under the nail beds of our toes and fingers is susceptible to skin cancer, so keep an eye out on these areas when you’re trimming your nails. If you notice discoloration under the nail bed and you didn’t recently stub your toe or hit your thumb with a hammer, have it examined by a professional.
Different Than The Bunch
Some people have a number of moles on their body or a collection of moles in a certain spot. The majority of time this isn’t a cause for concern, as long as the moles all appear similar in size, shape and color. However, if there’s an odd-looking mole in the bunch, or one looks radically different than the others, that could be a sign of a cancerous or precancerous lesion, and you should have it looked at sooner rather than later, as earlier treatment always yields better results.
Bleeding Moles
Your moles aren’t going to spontaneously bleed, but if they ooze or bleed with minimal friction it’s a sign that sometimes going on inside the mole. Oftentimes people discover these types of moles after a shower when they’re toweling off, or they notice it after waking up in the morning. Any mole that bleeds easily should not be ignored.
