The Early Signs of Skin Cancer

Early detection is key to treating skin cancer. Here’s what you should be looking for. 


UV and artificial light are the main causes of skin cancer, and one in five people will get skin cancer by the age of 70. The good news is that if skin cancer is detected early it’s highly treatable. This is why it’s important to perform monthly skin exams on yourself while also visiting our Southeast Houston dermatologists at least once a year for a comprehensive skin cancer screening.


The Early Warning Signs: What to Look For

When people think of skin cancer they most often think of melanoma, a potentially dangerous form of skin cancer; however, there are other forms of skin cancer, as well. When it comes to spotting cancerous lesions it’s important to know your ABCDEs:


Asymmetry: healthy moles are perfectly symmetrical, which means that you could draw a line directly through the middle and both sides would look the same. If a mole is asymmetrical this could be a sign of skin cancer.

Border: a healthy mole will have a clear, perfectly defined border while cancerous growths will have jagged and uneven edges.

Color: healthy moles can range from tan to dark brown; however, they are typically one color. A mole that contains multiple colors could be melanoma.

Diameter: a mole that is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) could be melanoma and should be evaluated.

Evolving: moles and skin growths should stay relatively the same throughout the years, so if you notice any crusting, scabbing, bleeding, pain or other issues with a growth it’s important to see our southeast Houston doctors for a skin cancer screening.


One of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun is by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Whether you’re in our Pasadena or Houston, TX, office for a skin cancer screening or routine appointment, check out our amazing line of sun care. Protect your skin!


If you are concerned about leaving the house these days but still need medications refilled or want to follow up with your dermatologist about chronic issues such as acne or rosacea, our team is also offering telemedicine visits. To schedule an in-office or telemedicine appointment with us call Southeast Dermatology’s Pasadena, TX, office at (281) 991-5944 or the Houston office at (281) 481-0033.

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Our Regular Schedule

Pasadena Location

Monday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Houston Location

Monday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Thursday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Friday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed