A nurse who examines moles for skin cancer advises individuals to adhere to the “ugly duckling” rule.
A mole that stands out, or the “ugly duckling,” should be examined by a physician, according to Laura Harker of The Sun.
Every three months, according to Harker, people should examine their skin for strange or new spots.
Something is being loaded.
The “ugly duckling” rule is recommended by a nurse who examines moles for cancer in order to detect the most severe form of skin cancer early.
Melanoma, which begins in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, is the rarest form of skin cancer, but it is the most dangerous because it can develop rapidly and spread to other areas of the body if not discovered and treated promptly.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 99,780 persons in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, and 7,650 of these people are predicted to die (ACS).
Laura Harker, the lead screening nurse at the MOLE Clinic in the United Kingdom, told The Sun on Tuesday that people should check their skin every three months for atypical or new spots in order to detect and treat any potential cancers early.
Melanoma treatment, which may include surgery, is dependent on the location and extent of the malignancy.
Melanoma can affect anyone, but individuals with blonde hair, blue or green eyes, pale skin that freckles or burns readily, or those with a family history of skin cancer are at a higher risk.
UV rays, an invisible form of radiation emitted by the sun and artificial sources such as tanning beds, can harm skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer in all individuals.
Adhere to the “ugly duckling” rule
A new, atypical spot on the skin or a change in the size, shape, color, or texture of an existing mole may indicate the development of melanoma.
When inspecting the skin for cancer, according to Harker, one should search for a mole that stands out from the rest of the skin’s patches, sometimes known as a “ugly duckling.”
“For some individuals, having numerous huge moles may be typical. But everything that jumps out as notably odd should be investigated “she revealed to The Sun.
Harker stated that new moles will continue to emerge on the skin until approximately the ages of 35 to 40.
“Moles that emerge later in life necessitate heightened vigilance,” she explained.
Check your entire body, including the hairline, for ticks.
According to the American Cancer Society, melanomas can also grow on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails.
Harker stated that melanoma always grows from the base of the nail up, unlike a bruise, which grows out over time.
Even though malignancies of the scalp are uncommon, Dr. Harker advised that individuals examine their hairline and parting.
Harker stated that high danger areas for women were the legs, whereas high risk areas for men were the back.
She advised taking photographs of difficult-to-see body regions, such as the back, to facilitate comparisons over time.