A mole is a growth of benign cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for the color of your skin. Normally, a mole is flat or raised, sometimes being flat for a long period of time before gradually becoming raised. Typically, it also has a smooth surface with a consistent color and border.
But how do you know when a harmless mole has put your skin, and ultimately your health, at risk? The team of board-certified dermatologists at West Dermatology wants you to know these signs, which you can look for via a skin self-check.
What You’re Looking For
New Moles
A mole is totally normal, especially if you have lighter skin, and it’s typically not much to worry about if you’ve had one since childhood or adolescence. However, a mole that develops during adulthood is likely to be more problematic.
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers have found in reviewing studies of more than 20,000 melanomas that more than 7 in 10 cases arose from new moles. Moreover, melanomas from new moles tend to be thicker or wider, which means a less favorable prognosis than those attributed to existing moles.
That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly recommends that, in addition to your own regular skin checks every 3-4 months, you get regular (i.e., annual) professional skin checks, as they’re vital in preventing skin cancer or catching it in its early stages, as is protecting yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun with broad-spectrum water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
Existing Moles
In addition to the valuable information the AAD provides on skin cancer protection, prevention, and detection, West Dermatology offers ways to know when it’s time to get an existing mole checked.
One is this: self-awareness. Be cognizant of any mole that changes shape, size, and/or color, regardless of whether it’s an existing one or a new one, as it means you should see your dermatologist ASAP.
An irregular mole is one that is no longer smooth or has a consistent shape or color. It also is one that bleeds, crusts over, itches, or oozes and/or causes pain or is tender to the touch.
Knowing Your ABCDEs Can Save Your Skin – And Maybe Your Life
An easy way to know what constitutes an irregular mole is to know your ABCDEs:
- Asymmetry: is each side of the mole the same? Asymmetry could indicate a more serious matter.
- Border: an irregular border – ragged, blurred, notched – is another sign.
- Color: a mole with different shades of brown, tan, or black, or that includes patches of white, red, or blue could symbolize something more dangerous.
- Diameter: a mole smaller in diameter than a typical wooden pencil eraser is considered normal, but when it’s bigger (more than 6mm in diameter), you may have a mole that should be professionally checked ASAP.
- Evolving state: if your mole changes in any of the above ways, including ways already mentioned (i.e., bleeding, oozing, etc.), then get it checked by a dermatologist ASAP.
When you know how to look and what to look for, you’ll know when you need to have your favorite dermatologist conduct a more thorough exam when and if you find an irregularity.
Contact West Dermatology for More about Moles
Knowing the signs of an irregular mole could be life-saving, so contact the mole experts at West Dermatology immediately if you notice an irregular mole.
