Tumor thickness was found to be the most important predictor of death, even more so than the number of tumors, when researchers evaluated tumors from over 3,500 people who had skin cancer for a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology. While experts have known thick tumors to be life threatening, they weren’t sure how this compared to having several, less thick tumors—until now. “Many people think a high number of tumors is more dangerous than a thicker tumor, but a thick tumor has the ability to metastasize,” says Marianne Berwick, PhD, professor of dermatology at the University of New Mexico, and author of the study. “It’s the metastases that kill, not the tumor itself.” If you already have a tumor, even several, it’s reassuring to know that you can have them removed and still live a healthy life. But be sure to check your skin for abnormal moles (here’s what to look for), and show them to your derm ASAP. “Thick tumors can develop quickly, so you should go to the dermatologist right away,” says Berwick. More from Prevention: Your Skin Cancer Prevention Guide
