A mole, or beauty mark, is a noticeable spot on the face that enhances attractiveness and makes you uniquely you. However, it can also be a symptom of severe health concerns. Skin cancer is associated with Caucasians, but Asians can also develop the disease. Between 2011 and 2021, about 2,700 Filipinos were diagnosed with skin cancer, with 2,102 cases of basal cell skin cancer and 614 cases of squamous cell skin cancer, according to data from the Philippine Dermatological Society.
As for melanoma, new and unusual growths can appear anywhere on the body, including your eyes and internal organs. “Inspect often-missed areas. Darker-skinned folks like Filipinos can get them on their back, nails, or soles of their feet,” advises Dr. Sarrosa. “About 30 percent of melanomas start as moles, so it’s important to keep track of growths that didn’t use to be there or that change over time.”
Constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is said to be the cause of skin cancer. Still, the likelihood of you getting it increases, too, if you have a family history of skin cancer, many moles, and a weak immune system.
The ABCDEs of melanoma. So, how do you know it’s melanoma—or just a plain old mole? “When assessing a suspicious growth, remember ABCDE, an acronym by the American Academy of Dermatology,” says Dr. Sarrosa.
“Look for Asymmetry, or if one half of the growth doesn’t match the other half. Check out the Border or the edges of the growth; a melanoma is not smooth. A melanoma’s Color comes in uneven shades of brown, black, gray, red, or white. Furthermore, its Diameter is bigger than that of a pencil eraser. Melanomas are also Evolving, meaning they change in size, shape, and color from the first time you notice them.”
Melanomas are diagnosed with dermoscopy or total body mapping to check lesions on the skin. If found to be malignant, your doctor will request imaging tests like a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to gauge the stage of the skin cancer.
The results of these tests determine the most appropriate approach to treatment. “Like other types of cancer, melanoma’s treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy (oral medication that specifically attacks cancer cells), and immunotherapy (a treatment that strengthens your immune system to fight cancer cells),” explains Dr. Sarrosa.
Observing healthy habits can help reduce your risk of developing melanomas. “Keep away from the sun, particularly between 10 am and 4 pm, when the UV rays are at their harshest,” says Dr. Sarrosa. “Apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and reapply if you’re swimming or sweating outdoors. Wear hats, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.”
Early detection can also curb skin cancer’s growth and spread. “If spotted early enough, melanomas have a 99 percent cure rate,” Dr. Sarrosa assures, “so it pays to check yourself regularly for any new and unusual growths and to advise your family physician about suspicious ‘moles.’”
For more information, please get in touch with MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
