Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but when it’s caught early, treatment is often simpler and outcomes are much better. The challenge is knowing which spots on your skin are normal – and which ones need a closer look from a dermatologist in Beaverton.
In this post, we’ll walk through five skin changes you should never ignore, how to check your own skin at home, and when to schedule a professional skin exam with a board‑certified dermatologist like Dr. Mikél Muse, DO, FAAD, our fellowship‑trained Mohs surgeon in Beaverton.
1. A mole that is changing
One of the most important warning signs of melanoma is a mole that looks different over time. Dermatologists use the “ABCDE” rule to help patients remember what to watch for:
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A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
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B – Border: edges are irregular, notched, or blurred
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C – Color: multiple colors or very dark color
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D – Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 mm)
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E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding
If you notice a mole that fails any part of the ABCDE checklist, or simply looks different from your other spots (“the ugly duckling”), it’s time to have it checked.
2. A sore that doesn’t heal
Another common red flag is a spot that just won’t go away. This could look like:
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A pimple‑like bump that crusts, bleeds, or scabs and then comes back in the same place
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A rough, scaly patch that keeps cracking or feels tender
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A sore on the lip, ear, or nose that lingers for weeks
Non‑healing sores can be signs of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or precancerous changes, especially in sun‑exposed areas.
3. A new spot that looks “different”
New spots appear on our skin throughout life, but any new growth that stands out from your other freckles and moles deserves attention. Watch for:
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A new brown, black, pink, or skin‑colored bump that is growing
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A spot that looks shiny, pearly, or translucent
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A flat, scaly patch that feels rough or sandpapery
Even if it’s not painful, a new or evolving spot that looks “off” compared to your other moles should be checked by a dermatologist.
4. A streak under a nail
Not all skin cancers appear on obvious, sun‑exposed areas. A dark brown or black streak running along the length of a fingernail or toenail – especially if it widens or changes – can be a warning sign of a type of melanoma that starts in the nail unit.
If you notice a new dark streak, discoloration of the nail, or darkening of the surrounding skin, schedule an exam promptly, particularly if it’s on a single nail and you don’t remember an injury.
5. Any spot that itches, bleeds, or feels different
Finally, pay attention to how a spot feels, not just how it looks. Concerning symptoms include:
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Persistent itching or tenderness
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Spontaneous bleeding or oozing
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A rough or thickened area that catches on clothing
These changes don’t always mean cancer, but they are a good reason to have a dermatologist perform a full‑skin exam.
How to check your skin at home
Dermatologists recommend doing a head‑to‑toe skin self‑exam about once a month. Use a full‑length mirror and a hand mirror so you can see your back, scalp, and the backs of your legs. Look for anything new, changing, or unusual – and take photos of spots you’re watching so you can compare over time. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always safer to schedule a professional exam.
Why see a fellowship‑trained Mohs surgeon in Beaverton?
When a spot turns out to be skin cancer, choosing a specialist with advanced training in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction matters. Dr. Mikél Muse, DO, FAAD, is a board‑certified dermatologist and fellowship‑trained Mohs micrographic surgeon at Frontier Dermatology’s Beaverton clinic, with expertise in treating skin cancers on delicate areas like the face, ears, scalp, and hands. Mohs surgery allows her to precisely remove cancer while conserving as much healthy tissue as possible and performing careful reconstruction.
In a recent announcement, Frontier Dermatology shared more about our upcoming Beaverton clinic and Dr. Muse’s role as a fellowship‑trained Mohs surgeon.
Worried about a spot on your skin? If you notice any of the warning signs above – or anything new, changing, or unusual – don’t wait. Schedule a comprehensive skin exam with Dr. Mikél Muse, DO, FAAD, at Frontier Dermatology in Beaverton, OR, today.