We all have birthmarks , scars, and small spots on our bodies, right? Some are things we were born with. Others develop as we grow older. 99% of these are harmless and normal. But very rarely, a small spot like this can be an early sign of dangerous skin cancer. So how do we know the difference between these dangerous spots and normal spots? Don't worry, that's why we're talking about this very important ABCDE method today. It's like a detective's guide to protecting our skin.
What is this ABCDE method?
Simply put, ABCDE is an easy way to remember the five warning signs of melanoma , the most dangerous type of skin cancer . We can remember these five signs with five English letters. If you know this method, if you have doubts about a birthmark or other spot on your body, you will be able to get a basic understanding of whether it is dangerous or not.
Imagine, your skin is like a beautiful map, and the birthmarks on that map are like small cities. What we do with this ABCDE method is to look closely at those cities and see if there are any unwanted, strange changes happening to them.
Now let's see what these letters ABCDE mean.
| Letter | English meaning | Simple Sinhala meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A | Asymmetry | Both sides are not the same: If you mentally draw a line through the middle of a birthmark, both sides will not be the same. One side will take on a different shape than the other. Just like a leaf that cannot be folded in half. |
| B | Border | Irregular Edge: The edge of the spot is not clear. Instead of being round and neat, the edge is drawn, blurred, and appears irregular, as if it has gone in and out in places. It's like someone spilled a drop of paint and it spread. |
| C | Color | Different colors: A normal birthmark is often a single brown color. However, a suspicious birthmark may have more than one color mixed in, such as black, brown, light brown, and possibly red, white, or blue. |
| D | Diameter | Diameter: The width of the mole is usually larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6 millimeters or ¼ inch). However, some melanomas can start smaller than this, so don't judge by size alone. |
| E | Evolving | Changes over time: This is the most important sign. If a mole that has been there for a long time has recently changed in size, shape, or color , or if it has become higher than before, or if it is newly itchy, painful, bleeding, or crusty, it is a warning sign. |
Why should we care so much about our skin?
Melanoma is a dangerous cancer. But the best thing is that it can be completely cured if detected early. That's why we should always pay attention to our skin.
You know your skin best, so you can easily recognize even the slightest changes in your skin.
The most important thing is to pay attention to things like the appearance of a new mole or the enlargement of an existing one. Recognizing changes early in this way can greatly aid in the success of treatment.
What does the "Ugly Duckling" sign mean?
This is also a very important concept. Imagine that you have a lot of brown birthmarks on your body that look the same. But suddenly you notice that only one of them is different from the others. Maybe it's darker than the others, or bigger , or has an irregular edge , or is itchy . Like the white one in a flock of black chickens, that spot looks cut out.
Doctors call this an “Ugly Duckling” sign. That is, a spot that looks different from other spots, and stands out. In addition to the ABCDE signs, you should definitely be concerned about a “different” spot like this.
How exactly do I check my skin myself?
You can do this skin check at home, at no cost. All you need is a well-lit room, a large mirror that can see your entire body, and a small hand-held mirror.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Look at the front and back: Go in front of a large mirror and carefully examine the entire front and back of your body.
2. Look to the sides: Raise both arms and look carefully at the right and left sides of the body.
3. Look inside the mouth: Check the inside of the lips, tongue, and cheeks.
4. Look at your hands and palms: With your elbows bent, look carefully at your arms, forearms, palms, backs of your hands, and between your fingers.
5. Check the areas you can't see: Use a small mirror to check the skin around your back, buttocks, and genitals . It's even better if you can get someone to help you with this.
6. Look under the breast : If you are a woman, lift the breast and look carefully at the skin underneath.
7. Check the legs and feet: Sit in a chair and check the backs of the legs, the soles of the feet, and between the toes.
8. Check your scalp and neck: Use both mirrors to check your scalp and the back of your neck. Comb your hair and separate it into sections. You can also ask your barber or salon staff to tell you if there is anything strange on your head.
While doing this checkup, pay attention to every birthmark or blemish from head to toe. Use a small ruler to measure the size of each one and write it down somewhere. The easiest way to track changes is to take a photo once a month and keep it.
How often should this test be done?
It's enough to do this test about once a month . It's best to do it after a shower, because your entire body is exposed to it. Write down any changes you notice in a book.
What are the best times to see a doctor?
But remember, don't panic just because you see a change in your skin. Not every change is cancer. And even a mole that has the ABCDE signs doesn't necessarily mean it's cancer. But if you have doubts, if you think, 'This is a little different,' don't ignore it.
Here are some situations when you should see your doctor:
- If an existing birthmark or skin spot changes in size, color, or shape .
- If a skin wound persists and does not heal .
- If a birthmark starts to itch or bleed .
In any case, see your doctor as soon as possible. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a dermatologist .
It's normal to feel scared when you see a strange mole. But the good news is that most skin cancers can be cured if detected early. So, the most important thing is to stay alert and not panic.
Take-Home Message
- Your skin is your responsibility. Check your skin from head to toe once a month .
- Remember the ABCDE method to identify suspicious moles: Asymmetry (unevenness of both sides), Border (irregular edge), Color (different colors), Diameter (large size), Evolving (changing over time).
- Pay special attention to "Ugly Duckling" spots, which are distinct and different from other spots.
- If you notice any changes, itching, or bleeding in your skin or a birthmark, don't panic, but don't ignore it either.
- If in doubt, see your doctor immediately for advice. Early detection is the best way to ensure successful treatment.
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