Is That Skin Spot Actually Cancer?

Have you noticed a new spot, rough patch, or strange-looking mole on your skin?

Maybe you've called it an age spot. Maybe you figured it was just another sign of getting older.

But here's something worth knowing: Not every new skin mark is harmless.

As we get older, years of sun exposure can catch up with us. Skin cancer becomes more common with age, especially basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is another serious type that can affect adults of any age.

The good news? Many types of skin cancer are highly treatable when discovered early.

Let's look at what people over 50 should watch for.

1. Three types of skin cancer you should know

Basal cell carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears on the face, neck, ears, scalp, or arms.

Watch for:

• A shiny or pearly bump.

• A sore that refuses to heal.

• A spot that repeatedly crusts, bleeds, or returns.

• Squamous cell carcinoma

This type often develops on areas that receive years of sun exposure.

Watch for:

• A rough, scaly patch.

• A firm, raised bump.

• A sore that bleeds or doesn't heal.

• Melanoma

Melanoma is particularly concerning because it can spread to other parts of the body.

Watch for:

• A mole that changes appearance.

• A new, unusual dark spot.

• A mole that develops irregular edges or multiple colors.

• A spot that begins itching, hurting, or bleeding.

Don't assume a suspicious spot has to hurt. Some skin cancers cause no discomfort at all.

2. The ABCDE rule: A simple way to check your moles

Dermatologists use a helpful guideline called the ABCDE rule.

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other.

• B – Border: The edges are uneven, jagged, or irregular.

• C – Color: The spot has different shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.

• D – Diameter: It's larger than about 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser. Smaller melanomas can occur, too.

• E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or appearance.

Here's an important tip: If one spot looks noticeably different from all your other spots, don't ignore it.

3. Why people over 50 should pay attention

Think about all those years spent gardening, working outside, driving, golfing, fishing, or enjoying summer vacations.

Your skin remembers that sun exposure.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer. Damage can accumulate over many years.

Your risk may also be higher if:

• You've had severe sunburns in the past.

• You have fair skin that burns easily.

• Skin cancer runs in your family.

• You've previously had skin cancer.

• You have many moles or unusual-looking moles.

And remember: Skin cancer can affect people with every skin tone.

4. Don't just check your face and arms!

Many people only look at the skin they can easily see.

That's a mistake.

Skin cancer can develop in places that are easy to overlook, including:

• Your scalp.

• Behind your ears.

• Your back and shoulders.

• Your legs and feet.

• The soles of your feet.

• Under your fingernails and toenails.

Make a habit of checking your skin regularly. Use a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror. Ask someone you trust to help check areas you cannot see.

Pay attention to anything new or changing.

5. When should you call your doctor?

Don't wait for a spot to become painful.

Schedule a medical evaluation if you notice:

A mole changing in appearance.

A new growth that doesn't go away.

A sore that won't heal or keeps returning.

A spot that bleeds without an obvious reason.

A rough or scaly patch that persists.

A spot that looks different from the others.

A dermatologist can examine suspicious areas and determine whether a biopsy is necessary.

Not every unusual spot is cancer, but getting it checked is much better than guessing.

6. Five ways to protect your skin after 50

You can't undo years of sun exposure, but you can protect your skin going forward.

Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing outdoors.

Seek shade, particularly during the strongest midday sunlight.

Avoid tanning beds.

Check your skin monthly and keep up with recommended dermatologist visits.

Even on cloudy days, UV exposure can damage your skin.

The bottom line

Getting older doesn't mean you should accept every new spot, bump, or skin change as normal.

Most skin changes are harmless, but some deserve attention.

The earlier skin cancer is found, the more treatment options you may have.

So the next time you notice a strange spot, don't just shrug it off as another age spot.

Take a closer look. And if something has changed, have a dermatologist check it.