Three Common Signs That A Mole May Be Cancerous
Routine skin cancer checks allow early detection of new or recurrent skin cancers. Most people's concern is that melanomas begin as small, undetectable lesions on the skin's surface. However, routine skin cancer examinations allow dermatologists to detect and treat melanomas timely. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most melanomas are curable when detected and treated during their localized stage (there is no sign that cancerous cells have spread beyond the primary site where they started).
Besides early detection, routine examinations foster effective skin cancer prevention. At-risk patients can take specific measures to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer in the future. For example, people with moles may choose to have them removed. This article discusses possible changes in a mole's appearance that warrant skin cancer checks:
A Mole That Looks Different From The Rest
Moles evolve as people grow older due to sun exposure and skin type. Thus, it is not easy for the average person to tell if a change in the mole's appearance qualifies it as a melanoma. However, some changes in the mole's color should warrant skin cancer examination. Moles can turn from tan or brown to dark brown or black. Sometimes moles have areas with different shades, which could signify melanoma. In addition, an increase in redness might indicate a suspicious growth called a sclerosing hemangioma. Though hemangiomas are non-cancerous (benign) tumors, they may be fatal in extreme situations. Thus, patients who notice distinct moles should schedule skin cancer checks as soon as possible.
A Noticeable Change in the Mole's Shape
Patients with moles should regularly check that the shape is regular and symmetrical. Even a previously symmetric mole may gradually become asymmetric. A mole with an irregular border or asymmetrical shape could signal skin cancer. Moreover, moles with jagged edges may have uneven pigment cells, indicating skin cancer. These features help doctors distinguish between melanoma and benign moles because the former is often more asymmetrical than the latter. Thus, patients who notice changes in one or more of their moles' shapes should consult a dermatologist for evaluation.
Drastic Change in a Mole's Diameter
Any changes in diameter over time could signify skin cancer, especially if it starts to get bigger. To determine its size, you can use the ABCDE rule. Letter D in the acronym represents diameter and requires determining whether the mole's diameter is greater than 6mm. According to American Academy of Dermatology guidelines, patients may use a pencil eraser to approximate a mole's diameter. Individuals whose moles are larger than the eraser should schedule skin cancer examinations for evaluation by a dermatologist.
For more information, reach out to a skin cancer check clinic near you.
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