How to identify cancerous moles
Moles are a common skin growth that appear as small, dark brown spots. While most are harmless, some can become cancerous. According to the Mayo Clinic, monitoring moles and other pigmented patches can help detect skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma.
What is a mole?
While typically appearing as a brown spot, moles can come in different colors, shapes and sizes:
h Moles can be brown, tan, black, red, blue or pink. They can also be smooth, wrinkled, raised or flat. They can have hair growing from them. h Most moles are oval or round. h Moles are usually less than 1⁄ inch
4 in diameter, though rarely moles present at birth (congenital nevi) can be much bigger, covering large areas of the body.
h Moles can develop anywhere on your body, including your armpits, scalp, between your fingers and toes, and under your nails.
h Most people have 10-40 moles. Many of these develop by age 50. They can change in appearance or fade away over time.
h Hormonal changes of adolescence and pregnancy may cause moles to become darker and larger.
The ABCDE guide
This guide can help you determine if a mole or a spot may indicate melanoma or other skin cancers:
A is for asymmetrical shape. One half is unlike the other half.
B is for border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders.
C is for color. Look for growths that have changed color, have many colors or have uneven color.
D is for diameter. Look for new growth in a mole larger than 1⁄ inch.
4
E is for evolving. Watch for moles that change in size, shape, color or height, especially if part or all of a mole turns black. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as itchiness or bleeding.
Cancerous moles may show all of these features or only one or two, as they vary greatly in appearance. If a mole looks unusual, grows or changes, you should contact your doctor.
Look for changes
“Become familiar with the location and pattern of your moles,” recommends the Mayo Clinic. “Regularly examine your skin to look for changes that may signal melanoma. Do self-exams once a month, especially if you have a family history of melanoma. With the help of mirrors, do a head-totoe check, including your scalp, palms and fingernails, armpits, chest, legs, and your feet, including the soles and the spaces between the toes. Also check your genital area and between your buttocks. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors for melanoma and whether you need a professional skin exam on a routine basis.”