Las Vegas doctors urge Clark County residents to check hidden skin spots

Local medical experts in the Las Vegas Valley are urging residents to examine skin areas that are often missed during routine checks.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, stated that skin cancer does not always present as a changing mole. She noted that sores that fail to heal or moles that bleed easily are warning signs that people frequently overlook. Rogers explained that doctors evaluate spots using the ABCDE method, which looks at asymmetry, borders, color changes, diameter, and evolution over time.

Gerontologist Sam Cradduck emphasized that even minor changes can be critical. Cradduck stated that a millimeter of growth can matter a lot. She advised that people track whether a mole has grown, changed its symmetry, or started to bleed. These changes matter even for spots that have been present for years.

Rogers noted that while people are often told to check sun-exposed areas, skin cancer can appear elsewhere. She said, You have to look everywhere because they can hide. Rogers pointed out that these spots can be found behind the ears, between the toes, or underneath the nails. She added that a doctor's exam or help from another person is necessary to cover places people cannot see, such as the scalp. Rogers observed that these spots do not always look scary, but that quality makes them dangerous.

Amy O'Rourke, an aging expert, shared her own experience with a dermatologist. She went in about a brown spot on her cheek, but a full body scan revealed cancer on top of her head. O'Rourke said the diagnosis was squamous cell cancer and required surgery. Katherie Ambrose, an aging well coach, recently found a dermatologist and had a full body scan. Her husband also underwent the procedure.

Rogers suggested that patients check with their insurance providers. She noted that some plans cover an annual dermatology exam, similar to a well woman exam. O'Rourke stated that around three-quarters of her family has had skin cancer. When asked whether the risk is genetic or environmental, Rogers said fair skin is a risk factor, along with age and family history. She concluded that probably both factors play a role.

In addressing sun damage, Rogers warned that UVA and UVB light are invisible and can pass through glass. She stated that melanoma is usually linked to intense, intermittent but deep sunburn. Rogers noted that melanoma spreads very quickly, so people need to pay attention. While melanoma presents more like a mole, she said squamous cell and basal cell cancers are more likely to be pinkish, itchy, or sores that do not heal.

Rogers also addressed a common myth regarding skin tone. She stated that African Americans need sunscreen. She explained that sunscreen protects against damage to cells and DNA. Rogers and the hosts noted that sun-protective clothing is also available, including rash guards, sun guards, UV clothing, and wide-brimmed hats.

Doctors recommend that residents watch for warning signs such as sores that will not heal or shiny bumps on the skin. During an annual dermatology visit, patients should request a full body exam. They should also ask about mole mapping to track changes over time.