By finding them early and having them removed, you may lessen the chances of the cancer spreading to other parts of your body or scarring your body. You should check your entire body, including your lips and eyelids, at least every six months. You may need some help checking your scalp, your back and the backs of your thighs. If one of your close family members has had skin cancer, or if you have freckles or very fair skin, you should ask your doctor to check your skin every year. Although most skin cancer is not dark, dark spots must be watched very carefully because they may become malignant.
Dark moles can change and become more dangerous.
If you're concerned about anything you find on your skin, visit your doctor right away. Your doctor will tell you if it's harmless. If not, your doctor can remove it and have it checked for cancer. This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.