Most people know to look for dark, asymmetrical moles when checking their skin. However, some of the most dangerous skin cancers don’t look like typical moles at all. At Dr. Hendi & Associates in Chevy Chase, Maryland, we want to help you spot these hidden dangers early.
Ali Hendi, MD, and our experienced team specialize in comprehensive skin cancer surveillance. We know that catching atypical lesions early is the key to successful, minimally invasive treatment. Here are five hidden warning signs you should never ignore.
Standard mole-checking rules often fail when it comes to nodular melanoma. This aggressive cancer grows downward quickly rather than spreading flat across your skin. In a 2021 study of 200 adults in Norway, dermatologists suspected melanoma in 96% of flat cases, but only 50% of nodular cases.
These dangerous spots often look like perfectly symmetrical, firm domes. If you notice a new, round bump that feels hard, don’t assume it’s a harmless pimple.
Our team can examine it closely to ensure your peace of mind. We offer advanced diagnostic tools, including non-invasive melanoma detection, to evaluate these tricky bumps.
Because some aggressive cancers don’t have irregular borders or dark colors, we look for other clues. The Cleveland Clinic recommends using the EFG criteria to identify these spots: elevated, firm, and growing.
If you have a bump that’s raised and is growing larger, it should be evaluated promptly by a dermatologist. We offer precise evaluations for these fast-growing lesions. If treatment is necessary, we provide state-of-the-art Mohs surgery in our office.
Many patients believe that skin cancer must be dark brown or black. However, some cancers don’t produce pigment at all. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that melanomas can appear suddenly as colorless or changing bumps.
These spots can easily be mistaken for bug bites, scars, or eczema. We routinely evaluate pale, pink, or flesh-colored growths to rule out basal cell carcinoma or amelanotic melanoma.
Not all skin cancers start as bumps. Some begin as rough, scaly patches that feel like sandpaper, or as sores that bleed, heal, and then open up again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that any new, changing, or nonhealing skin lesion should be evaluated promptly.
These symptoms are common signs of squamous cell carcinoma or precancerous actinic keratosis. We can treat these lesions early, often preventing them from spreading or worsening.
Skin cancer can develop in areas that rarely see the sun. The American Cancer Society directs patients to check hidden areas, including under your arms, the soles of your feet, and your nail beds.
We recommend checking these areas during your monthly self-exams at home. When you visit us for a professional exam, we thoroughly inspect these hard-to-see spots. If we find anything suspicious, we can perform a quick biopsy in our on-site laboratory.
Protecting your skin starts with awareness and regular professional evaluations. If you notice any of these hidden warning signs, don’t wait to get them checked. Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our specialists.
