Jacqueline Mills is no stranger to spotting marks on her skin—yet this one caught her off guard.
The 32-year-old teacher felt concerned when a small blemish suddenly appeared on her right cheek. Skin cancer was on her mind, prompting her to visit a dermatologist.
Instead of finding answers, she felt dismissed. “They were more worried about scarring than actually examining it,” Mills recounted. “That’s when I decided to get another opinion.”
Fortunately, that choice proved wise. Tests at Mount Sinai revealed the mark was stage zero melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that has surged among young adults—especially women.
Melanoma can spread rapidly throughout the body and become life-threatening in as few as six weeks without treatment.
Mole Patrol
With a family history of melanoma, Mills has a routine of getting skin checks and has dermatology appointments for full-body scans each year.
Though she often has spots, this particular mark stood out when it began to change noticeably.
“I saw discoloration; one side was lighter than the other,” she explained. “Then the edges started to look jagged and irregular. The shape was off too; it wasn’t just round,” she added.
These characteristics raised alarm bells for skin cancer, according to Dr. Jesse Miller Lewin, a dermatology expert at Mount Sinai Health System.
He explained that a simple way to remember the warning signs is the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- A stands for asymmetry: Cancerous moles usually look uneven.
- B represents border: Melanomas often have irregular, jagged edges.
- C is for color: Be wary of spots with multiple colors or shades.
- D signifies diameter: Worrisome spots are usually larger than 6 mm, similar to a pencil eraser.
- E stands for evolution: Any changes in a mole’s size, shape, or color can indicate danger.
“The most critical red flag is the history of change in an existing mark,” Lewin noted.
Even if you don’t have moles, you’re still at risk. Many melanomas can emerge as new spots on previously clear skin, and this cancer can develop in various places, from your eyes to your scalp and even inside your mouth.
Face to Face with Cancer
Despite being one of the deadliest skin cancers, melanoma is highly treatable if detected early.
The five-year survival rate exceeds 99% when diagnosed at stage zero. However, once it spreads to distant organs, that rate drops dramatically to 35%, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Having it on my face was both a blessing and a curse,” Mills said. “It made removal tricky and left a scar, but it also helped me notice changes right away, leading to an early diagnosis.”
She reflected, “If it had been on a different part of my body, I might not have noticed the rapid changes. The outcome could have been very different.”
Mills underwent Mohs surgery at Mount Sinai just weeks after her diagnosis. This meticulous procedure involves removing skin in layers and examining each one under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated while preserving healthy tissue.
“Melanoma cells are often more extensive than visible to the naked eye,” Lewin explained. “Leaving behind even a few could allow the cancer to spread or invade lymph nodes.”
Although the original blemish was tiny, by the end of the surgery, Mills had a wound nearly the size of a quarter on her face.
“You look at your skin every day. If something feels off, it’s best to see a doctor,” Mills advised.
It took about a year for the wound to heal completely, and Mills turned to laser treatments and silicone scar cream to help minimize the scar.
“Now, most people can’t even notice it,” she said. “Only those who knew me back then can tell; it healed really well.”
Scan It, Spot It, Stop It
At 34 and free from cancer, Mills now visits her dermatologist twice a year and utilizes advanced tools like the Vectra scan to track any skin changes.
“With a yearly full body scan, you’re depending on your dermatologist to keep track of your moles from year to year,” she noted.
In contrast, the Vectra WB360 scan is a 3D imaging system that documents all your skin spots quickly and accurately.
“For someone with many spots, it’s a great option for extra peace of mind,” Mills commented.
“It’s reassuring to have both the doctor’s assessment and a computerized scan to measure changes in size, pigment, and type of spots over time,” she added.
If you have average risk for skin cancer, Lewin recommends an annual head-to-toe check by a dermatologist. Those with a history should consider biannual visits.
However, you shouldn’t wait for your yearly check-up to monitor your skin.
“Doctors are helpful, but you are your first line of defense,” Mills said.
She emphasized, “If you feel something is off, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor,” adding that if you face skepticism from a provider, seek another opinion.
“Delaying attention could mean a simple procedure turns into chemotherapy,” Mills cautioned.
Lewin reiterated her advice: “Trust your gut. If a spot is new or changing and you’re worried, see a dermatologist. If you’re still concerned after one visit, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. That’s what saved Mills’ life.”
The Dark Side of Sun-Kissed
Although melanoma accounts for just 1% of skin cancers, it causes the vast majority of skin cancer fatalities, according to the American Cancer Society.
In 2025, it is estimated that around 104,960 new cases of melanoma will arise in the U.S., leading to approximately 8,430 deaths from the disease.
Risk for melanoma increases with age, but studies indicate its prevalence among children, teens, and young adults has surged by over 250% in the last forty years.
Exposure to UV rays—whether from sunlight or tanning beds—significantly heightens the risk for melanoma, as does having multiple moles and fair skin, hair, or eyes. A weakened immune system or a family history of the disease can further increase your chances.
