If a spot on your face is changing, looks different from your other spots, or begins itching or bleeding, arrange a skin evaluation. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends getting these changes checked. A mirror and a short record can help you explain what you noticed, but neither can tell you whether a spot is cancer. [1, 2]
It can be tempting to compare the spot with photos until you find one that looks reassuring. A better use of that time is to make the appointment and write down what you have already observed. Do not wait to collect more photos if the change is what prompted you to seek help.
Describe the change in plain words
Note the location using an easy reference, such as the left cheek next to the nose, the outer edge of the right eyebrow, or a spot along the hairline. Write down when you first saw it and what seems different now. If you are unsure of the date, an approximate week or month is useful.
Describe changes you can explain without naming a diagnosis: it looks wider, a new color appeared, it feels raised, or it bled without an obvious reason. If the spot has been there for years and only recently changed, mention both facts. A recent change matters even when the spot itself is familiar. [1, 2]
Use ABCDE as a reminder, not a pass-or-fail test
The ABCDE signs include asymmetry, an irregular border, uneven color, diameter and evolution. Evolution means a change over time. The National Cancer Institute explains that melanomas can show only one or two of these features, so a spot does not have to match the whole list to deserve assessment. [2]
Do not dismiss a spot solely because it is small or round. Similarly, the presence of one feature does not diagnose cancer. Use the checklist to describe the reason for your concern, then let a clinician decide what the next step should be.
Make a useful record without delaying the visit
If you already have an older photo showing the area, keep it available. A current photo in ordinary light can make it easier to locate the spot at the appointment. Avoid filters and note the date. One photo from far enough back to show the location and one closer view may be more useful than many shots taken in different lighting.
When you call the office, explain the specific change rather than requesting a general cosmetic consultation. Say if it is bleeding, itching, or looking different from your other spots. If scheduling is difficult, ask the office what it recommends given the concern you describe.
Look beyond the part of your face you see straight on
AAD’s self-exam guidance covers the whole body, including areas that are difficult to see. [1] A handheld mirror can help you see around the side of the face or near the ear. If you are due for a professional exam, ask about the right approach and frequency for you rather than setting a schedule based on someone else's risk.
Bring up other concerns separately if they are also on your mind. For example, recurring flakes around the eyebrows are worth describing, but they are a different observation from an individual spot changing shape or color. Our guide to recurring facial flakes explains how to document that pattern. Tell the clinician about both if relevant, and let the examination guide what comes next.
Bring the details that are easy to forget
Before the visit, note whether you have already applied anything to the spot or tried to cover it for photographs. If you have a history of skin cancer or another relevant concern, mention it when asked about your medical history. Keep your notes short enough to find quickly; the aim is to describe the change clearly and let the clinician examine the area.
Sources
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