What Is The ABCDE Rule of Skin Cancer?

The acronym ABCDE is commonly used among dermatologists to characterize skin lesions. This rule helps identify if specific skin lesions are cancerous by determining their shape, color, and symmetry. In this blog, we will define the acronym ABCDE, describe the common types of skin cancers, review common spots that get mistaken for skin cancer, and how dermatoscopes help differentiate.

ABCDE Defined

A- Asymmetry: Noncancerous moles typically are symmetrical. If the mole is asymmetrical, it can be cancerous. 

B- Border: The border or a noncancerous spot is typically defined. In contrast, the border for a cancerous mole will be blurred or not defined.

C- Color: Normal moles typically are a single color and tend to be brown and evenly colored. A cancerous spot may have various colorations. 

D- Diameter: The size of a mole is essential. It can be cancerous if the mole is larger than a typical pencil erases ¼ inch or about 6 millimeters.

E- Evolving: Noncancerous moles do not change in color, shape, or size. If a mole is evolving, it could be cancerous.

Types of skin cancers:

Melanoma: According to Mayo Clinic, Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin- the pigment that gives your skin color. Below is a picture of melanoma taken with the IDS-1100:

 

Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the second most common form of skin cancer, according to SkinCancer.org. It is characterized by abnormal growth of squamous cells.

Basal cell carcinoma: American Academy of Dermatology describes basal cell carcinoma as Doctors diagnose millions of people with basal cell carcinoma each year. However, for most people, basal cell carcinoma is not life-threatening because the skin cancer tends to grow slowly. Regardless, early detection is essential.

Actinic keratosis: According to John Hopkins Medicine, actinic keratosis is a precancerous, common condition. It is characterized by a rough, scaly patch or bump on the skin. They are caused by UV damage to the skin; in some cases, they can turn into squamous cell skin cancer.

Common Spots That Can Appear As Skin Cancer

Skin tags: Skin tags are prevalent and are harmless growths on the skin. They are typically raised, small, and soft.

Moles: These are noncancerous growth on the skin that is made by melanocytes. These moles can be dark or flesh-colored and may be raised from the skin.

Keloids: Often are lumpy, rigged, and raised. They are caused by injury and are the result of overproduction of collagen.

Dermatofibromas: These are skin growths that are more commonly seen in women and often are on the legs. They appear as small, firm-like bumps.

Seborrheic keratoses: Typically are shown in older people. They are usually brown, black, or light tan. They can also appear waxy and slightly raised.

Hemangioma: This is a noncancerous tumor that usually resolves on its own. They typically appear as small red bumps but can grow and become burgundy.

How Illuco Dermatoscopes help to differentiate between moles and cancers:

Dermatoscopes enable dermatologists and healthcare professionals to get a more accurate diagnosis of the skin lesion they are examining. The IDS-1100 has a 10x magnification, 25mm aperture, and 32 White LEDs. These features combine to identify any abnormalities they could not view with the naked eye.

References:

Mayo Clinic

SkinCancer.org