When To Get A Mole Checked

Mole On A Woman's Leg

Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD

 

 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but when caught early, it is also one of the most treatable. That’s why it is critical to have an annual skin cancer screening with a board-certified dermatologist, even if you don’t notice any concerning changes. Routine skin checks can help catch potential skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) early, when they are easiest to treat.

It’s very common—and completely understandable—to worry about whether your moles are healthy or something to be concerned about. Moles are common skin growths, but sometimes they can develop irregularities that may signal something more serious.

Thankfully, it is usually very easy for a board-certified dermatologist to visually inspect your moles and let you know if there is any cause for concern. Dermatologists are trained to quickly assess moles and identify the signs that could indicate skin cancer or atypical growths.

If there is any uncertainty about a mole, it is also very easy to perform a simple skin biopsy, where a small sample of the mole is taken and sent to a laboratory for a pathology diagnosis. This quick and minimally invasive procedure gives a definitive answer about whether a mole is benign or requires treatment.

How will you know when its time to get a mole checked?

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Self-Exam Mole Checks

Regular self-examinations are a vital part of early detection for skin cancer. By familiarizing yourself with your skin’s baseline appearance, you can identify changes promptly and seek professional evaluation when necessary. Here’s how to conduct a thorough self-exam:

What You’ll Need:

  • Bright lighting – Ensures clear visibility of all skin areas.
  • Full-length mirror – Helps examine the front and back of your body.
  • Handheld mirror – Assists in viewing hard-to-see areas.
  • Blow dryer – Useful for parting hair to inspect the scalp.
  • Chair or stool – Aids in examining the legs and feet comfortably.

Steps for a Comprehensive Self-Examination:

  1. Face and Scalp: Begin by inspecting your face, including the nose, lips, mouth, and ears (both front and back). Use a blow dryer and handheld mirror to part your hair and examine your scalp thoroughly.
  2. Upper Body: Standing before the full-length mirror, check your neck, chest, and abdomen. Women should lift their breasts to view the skin underneath. Raise your arms to assess the underarms and sides of your torso.
  3. Arms and Hands: Examine both forearms, front and back, including the elbows. Look at your palms, the backs of your hands, and between your fingers and under your fingernails.
  4. Lower Body: While seated, inspect your thighs, shins, tops of your feet, soles, and the spaces between your toes.
  5. Back and Buttocks: Using both mirrors, survey your neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, buttocks, and the back of your legs.

For a visual guide and additional tips, you can refer to resources provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

By performing regular self-exams and keeping track of any changes in your skin, you’ll be able to quickly recognize anything unusual and consult a board-certified dermatologist for further evaluation. Combined with annual professional skin checks, this habit can significantly aid in the early detection and successful treatment of skin cancer.

An infographic describing the ABCDE criteria to screen for melanoma.

What Do Abnormal Moles Look Like?

When checking your moles, it’s important to know the warning signs of skin cancer, especially melanoma, which is the deadliest form. Two of the most reliable methods for spotting abnormal moles are the ABCDE criteria and the Ugly Duckling Sign.

The ABCDE Criteria for Identifying Abnormal Moles

Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to help patients recognize moles that may require further evaluation:

  • A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
  • B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or poorly defined.
  • C – Color: The mole has multiple colors or uneven shading (brown, black, red, white, or blue).
  • D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
  • E – Evolving: The mole changes over time in size, shape, color, or begins to bleed, itch, or crust.

The Ugly Duckling Sign

Another important clue is the Ugly Duckling Sign, which means looking for any mole that stands out from the rest. Most people’s moles look somewhat similar to each other. If you notice a mole that looks different from your other moles, either in shape, size, or color, it may be a sign of concern and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

When in Doubt, See a Board-Certified Dermatologist

If you notice any changes in a mole or if something looks unusual, it is always best to seek the care of a board-certified dermatologist. Even if a mole doesn’t meet all the ABCDE criteria, a dermatologist can quickly determine whether it is benign or needs further evaluation. When necessary, a simple skin biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis.

Early detection is key to treating skin cancer effectively, so never hesitate to schedule a professional skin check if you have concerns.

 

By | Categories: Medical Dermatology, Skin Cancer Screening

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