Most people have moles, and most are harmless. But some change over time and may be warning signs of cancer.
Regular self-exams are important, but it is also a good idea to see your doctor for a professional skin examination. Check for the ABCDE warning signs in your moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color that is not uniform and Diameter that is increasing.
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The first sign of melanoma is usually a change in the shape, color or feel of an existing mole. It may also be a new spot that appears on your skin. A new or changing mole should be evaluated by a doctor.
While most of the moles on your body are normal, it is important to check them regularly. This allows you to recognize any changes before they become serious. It also helps to reduce the risk of melanoma by getting it caught in its early stages.
Atypical moles, such as spitz nevi and dermal melanocytic nevi, increase the risk of melanoma. People living closer to the equator or at higher elevations are also at increased risk for developing these types of moles.
These types of moles tend to be larger than typical moles and have irregular borders and a combination of colors, such as shades of tan, brown, black or white. They may also have a raised area or be more than 6 millimeters wide (about the size of a pencil eraser). Asymmetry, where one side of the mole does not match the other.
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The first step in diagnosing melanoma is looking for any changes in the color of a mole. A mole’s shape and size are also important factors to consider, but color is the most common warning sign of melanoma.
Normal moles are evenly colored and have smooth, well-defined borders. Melanomas tend to be uneven in color and may have jagged, ragged or notched edges. They can range in shade from tan to brown to black, and they can have areas of red, pink or white.
If a mole changes in color, it is best to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. These moles are a potential risk factor for developing melanoma, and regular mole screenings at a dermatologist’s office (such as those offered at Moffitt Cancer Center) can improve your chances of early detection and diagnosis should an abnormal change occur. Also, if a mole is bleeding, oozing or itchy, these are additional signs of melanoma and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
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People should talk to their GPs about any moles or skin changes. These should be reviewed by a specialist in skin diseases called a dermatologist or another doctor who is trained to diagnose such conditions. This may include plastic surgeons, general surgeons, internists and cancer specialists.
Normal moles have well-defined borders and a uniform color. Melanomas often have uneven, jagged or notched edges. They can also be asymmetrical (one side of the mole doesn’t match the other) or change in size, shape and/or color.
Often, a new or changing mole is more than 6 mm wide. This is a warning sign and you should get it checked by a doctor right away.
People who have 50 or more typical moles or atypical moles that aren’t typical for their family members have an increased risk of developing melanoma. People living closer to the equator and at higher elevation also have an increased risk of developing melanoma due to exposure to more direct sun rays.
Oren Zarif
Moles can be any size and shape, but most are usually smaller than 6 millimeters in diameter (the width of a pencil eraser). When melanoma develops it tends to grow larger, but may also change in color or texture. Any changes in a mole’s size or appearance are cause for concern and should be checked by a doctor.
The edge of a normal mole is smooth and clearly defined, but the border of a melanoma can look jagged, notched or blurred. The colour of a melanoma can also vary from one area to another, and often contains shades of black, brown and pink.
A melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but they’re more likely to show up in areas exposed to the sun such as the legs, arms, face and genitals. It’s important to regularly check your skin and look out for new moles or changes in existing ones, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer, are a fair-skinned person, are at higher risk of developing melanoma because of exposure to UV rays or live closer to the equator or at a higher elevation.
Oren Zarif
While not all moles develop into melanoma, people should watch all their moles and pay special attention to any that seem unusual. If a spot on the skin appears new, changes in size, shape or color or becomes itchy, swollen, tender or bleeds, a person should see a doctor immediately. People should use a mirror and look at their entire body to find any spots that are not like other moles or that have changed in the past. They should also talk to a dermatologist or family doctor about any new growths, sores that won’t heal or any changes in existing moles.
Remember the ABCDE check list to help recognize the warning signs of melanoma. A is for asymmetry (one half of the mole doesn’t match the other). B is for border (the edges are ragged, notched or blurred, as opposed to the smooth, regular borders of common moles). C is for color (melanomas often have an uneven shade of black, brown, tan, red, blue, gray or white). D is for diameter and E is for evolving (has the mole changed in size or appearance over time). People should see a dermatologist or family doctor about any suspected melanomas.