A spot that once had a sharp, clean edge, like a freshly baked cookie, can suddenly crumble. Therein lies an important signal. Not all bumps and spots are cause for concern. Benign skin conditions, such as warts, lipomas or seborrheic keratoses, grow slowly and do not spread. They remain within their own boundaries and usually cause little more than some discomfort or aesthetic irritation. When a spot becomes restless, the ABCDE rule is your guideline: If a spot shows several of these characteristics, it deserves further investigation. Melanomas can sometimes manifest themselves more subtly than the ABCDE check captures. Dermatologists therefore also pay attention to the 'Ugly Duckling' signal: which spot is out of step with the rest? That odd duckling could well be a melanoma. Trust that intuitive look and, if in doubt, have a professional take a look immediately. Not every spot is a reason to panic, but the sooner you notice abnormalities, the greater the chance of successful treatment. Prevention starts with awareness. Apply a good layer of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every morning, even on cloudy days, and don’t forget your ears, hairless scalp and nose. Avoid tanning beds, wear a hat and UV-protective clothing and schedule regular self-checks. Do you have a predisposition or have you had skin cancer in the past? Then have a dermatologist take a look periodically. Skin cancer is a common form of cancer in the Netherlands. With the ABCDE rule, the Ugly Duckling signal and simple preventive measures, you can effectively protect your skin and notice changes in time. Whole or not whole? That is the question.
Benign vs. Malignant
The ABCDE Rule: Rules of Thumb for Suspicious Spots
The “Ugly Duckling” Signal in Melanoma
Warning signs to watch out for
Protection as a daily habit
Conclusion