An American dermatologist based in New York City, has shared the signs of skin cancer she looks for in her patients.
Dr Toral Vaidya, board-certified dermatologist, beauty writer, and media expert specialises in skincare, skin of colour, and cosmetic dermatology. She regularly shares educational skincare videos and tips on social media.
In a recent TikTok video, Dr Vaidya responded to queries about what skin cancer looks like, explaining that there are two main types: non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma. She said that non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, with the former being the more common type.
These can occur anywhere but are usually found on the head and neck. Dr Vaidya described them as “tend to be pink, shiny, pearly in appearance” with a “raised or rolled border”, adding that they can also appear in pigmented forms.
She said: “Basal cell skin cancers in general are a slow growing type of skin cancer but they are the most common type of skin cancer that you should know about.” As for squamous cell skin cancers, Dr Vaidya explained that these typically present as “crusty, scaly lesions that can be red or pink”.
Dr Vaidya has highlighted the risk and necessity for early detection of particular skin cancers, especially as squamous cell skin cancers can “bleed a lot and cause issues as well” and are frequently located on the head and neck, akin to basal cell skin cancers. Dr Vaidya remarked: “Essentially with either of these skin cancers the smaller they are when you detect it the smaller the treatment area is going to be and potentially the surgical scar.”
She warned that melanoma skin cancers are considered the “more dangerous type”. In an informative slant, the New York-based dermatologist said: “This is what I tell all of my patients – so there are the a, b, c,d, e’s of melanoma and I think it’s a really easy way to figure out what you should be concerned about.
“A stands for asymmetry, b stands for an irregular border, c stands for multiple colours, d stands for diameter, usually greater than the size of a pencil eraser, and e, which is the most important, stands for evolving.” She emphasised that unlike other moles, melanomas often evolve distinctly over time.
Dr Vaidya urged individuals with a mole matching the description of melanoma – particularly one “changing rapidly or differently from your other moles” — to seek professional assessment. She wrapped up her TikTok video with some advice: “If you have any concerns for skin cancer or for you or a loved one that fit any of these criteria it is always a good idea to get checked out early.
“It is much, much better to catch a skin cancer early and treat it early. It has less of a chance of leaving a larger scar. It also has less of a chance of spreading or causing any further issues.”
The NHS informs that non-melanoma skin cancer is quite prevalent and originates in the skin’s top layer, with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the primary types. Ultraviolet light from the sun and sunbeds is identified as the main cause.
Risk factors for non-melanoma skin cancer, as noted by the NHS, include age, pale skin, and previous skin cancer experiences. A new growth or an unusual patch on the skin is often the first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Melanoma, another skin cancer type known for its potential to spread, is also caused by ultraviolet light exposure. The NHS points out that risk factors for melanoma include age, pale skin, having many moles, and a family history of skin cancer.
The NHS cautions: “A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma. Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they’re more common in areas that are exposed to the sun.”
It also mentions that some rarer forms of melanoma can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or genitals. Regular skin checks for any unusual changes are advised, using a mirror or enlisting the help of a partner or friend for hard-to-see areas.