A significant number of us have moles that are dispersed across our skin. They are usually benign little blemishes that we have had since childhood. But occasionally a mole can change in ways that may signal trouble down the road. Going to the dermatologist for mole examination and mole removal at the appropriate time could end up saving your life.
At The National Skin Centre, we have large number of patients who regret not doing anything when they first observed change in their moles. The good news? It’ s not as hard as you think to learn how to recognize those warning signs.
Moles Matter More Than You Think
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it puts in a lot of hard work to protect you on a daily basis. They are just collections of pigment cells that tend to sit there and do nothing. But if these cells start to behave abnormally, in some cases they can become skin cancer.
The solution is to catch changes early. Early signs of melanoma on skin are typically subtle at first but become more apparent to the naked eye as the cancer develops.
7 Warning Signs Every Man Should Know
- The Standout Size Changes
One of the most noticeable mole changes to look out for is size. A mole that begins to get bigger than a pencil eraser (roughly 6mm) should prompt further examination. But you needn’t wait for it to get to be that big. Check with a doctor about any growth of a mole that you observe over weeks or months.
Here’s a way to picture it: normal moles are the good children who stay in their seats. Unhealthy moles are like unruly children — they keep running wild and spreading out all over.
- Color Changes That Seem Off
Normal moles tend to be one color — brown, black, or flesh-colored. But if the color of the mole changes, this could be a danger indicator. Watch for:
- Several colors in a single mole
- Unnatural colors, such as red, whites, blues
- A mole that changes a lot darker or lighter than before
- Blotchy look best to evened out skin tone
- Shape and border issues
Healthy moles have smooth, clean borders. The border of a mole is uneven and is another sign you should never ignore. If your mole changes to looking like it has rough edges, notched edges, an uneven border, then you should get it checked.
To picture it, imagine a perfect circle next to something that could have been done by a shaky-handed 5-year-old. The second one needs attention.
- Shape and Border Issues
Moles should have smooth and even edges. By the way, an irregular mole border is a danger sign you can’t afford to dismiss. If your mole changes so that it has irregular edges, characteristics of notched borders or an irregular outline, it needs to be evaluated.
Compare a perfect circle to a shape that seems to have been cut roughly by a trembling hand. The second one needs attention.
- Surface Changes You Can Feel
Initially, your moles should have a smooth and flat feel, or they should be elevated to the same degree. Be concerned if you notice:
- A raised mole that was flat previously
- Rough or scaly texture
- A mole with a hard or firm feel
- Anywhere the surface is crusting or flaking
- Bleeding, Itching, or Pain
This is where your body speaks to you. A mole that bleeds or itches is not normal. A normal mole should not bleed, unless you accidentally cut or irritate it. If you find a mole starts bleeding on its own, you have itching that won’t leave, or the mole is tender to touch, don’t wait to see what happens.
It feels like your skin is telling you that something is very wrong when these symptoms crop up.
- New Moles in Adults
While children and teens can form new moles, new mole in adults 30+ are to be checked out by a professional. By then, your mole-making years are largely in the rearview mirror, so it’s worth taking an extra close look at any new spots that show up.
It’s not that every new location is dangerous, but it’s always best to not be sorry.
- The “Ugly Duckling” Mole
Occasionally, it’s just that a mole looks different than all of the others. A standout even if it doesn’t fit the other warning signs perfectly, a spot that looks different from your other moles may still deserve a visit to the dermatologist. Go with your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.
Knowing Normal Vs. Troublesome – What’s the Distinction?
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between generalized moles and a cancerous mole, but this is a simple way to remember:
Good moles are like good neighbors; they haven’t done anything to anyone (yet), they are a constant in the neighborhood and they don’t change a whole lot over time. Problematic neighbors keep rearranging their looks and causing trouble.
The Tool in Your Memory Arsenal: The ABCDE Rule
The ABCDEs of melanoma help doctors remember what to look for:
- Asymmetry:The other half is not a reflection of the first half
- Border:The border is uneven, notched, or blurred
- Color:Various colors or odd colorations
- Diameter:Bigger than a pencil eraser (6mm)
- Evolving:Any increase in size, shape, color, or symptoms
Making Skin Self-Examination a Habit
Skin self-exam should be as commonplace as brushing your teeth. Make it a habit to perform a self-skin checkup once a month in a room that is well-lit and allows you to examine your entire body. For hard-to-see areas, use a mirror, or enlist someone you trust to assist.
Be sure to look in between your toes and on your scalp, and in other places where the sun doesn’t shine. Skin cancer symptoms can appear anywhere on the body, including on the skin.
When Worry Becomes Action
The danger signs for which you must vigilantly watch and how to tell if a mole is cancerous are not something you should determine on your own. If you notice any of these red flags, do the smart thing, and book an appointment with a dermatologist.
And remember, most changes in moles are not cause for concern. But the ones that are not benign are vastly simpler to treat when they are identified early.
Your Next Step Forward
What does a dangerous mole look like? Now you know what to watch for. Most of all, it means acting when you see something different. You don’t want to worry about a mole for weeks when visiting the doctor could relieve your mind.
Our team at The National Skin Centre in South Delhi is here to provide you with guidance on what is considered normal and what requires your attention. Don’t leave it up to chance when it comes to taking care of your skin, and being aware of these warning signs can make you the author of your health narrative.
Remember: When in doubt, get it checked out. In the future, your future self will be thankful to you since you are taking the health of your skin seriously.
Author:
Dr. Navin Taneja – Dermatologist
