Moles removal is something that most people will notice and discuss in the communications we have with our dermatologists. The majority of moles are benign, meaning they pose no real threat to one’s health. However, if a mole is malignant your dermatologist will have it removed to eradicate cancer and prevent its spread.
Finding a mole that could be cancerous can be a scary discovery to make. Someone may have developed a bump on the skin, and you don’t know how serious it is. But how do dermatologists determine whether a mole is cancerous? For starters, medical professionals follow a rule of thumb known as the ABCDEs of melanoma, five visual cues that suggest a mole could be cancerous and should be further examined or removed.
Here are five signs that might lead your dermatologist to recommend mole removal.
Asymmetrical Shape
Most moles are round, looking like circles or ovals. If you were to cut one of these moles in half, both sides would show the exact symmetry and the mole would be symmetrical. Moles that lack this symmetry could point to irregular cellular activity that could be indicative of skin cancer. Upon viewing an asymmetric mole, your dermatologist may conduct a mole biopsy to examine it for cancer further; if positive results come back, they will recommend removing it entirely.
Borders are Undefined or Irregular
If a mole of any kind is irregular, it could be a sign of skin cancer. In other words, these signs could mean you’re at risk for skin cancer. However, remember that not all moles are malignant and even those that seem to be healthy may be precancerous. If you have any concerns about a mole on your body, don’t ignore them! Seek treatment from an expert dermatologist as soon as possible.
Color Lacks Consistency
You may notice that the color of your mole’s changes throughout the year. This is due to several factors, such as your skin tone and other medical conditions you may have. If a single mole is darker in some areas and lighter in others, this suggests an irregularity that your dermatologist will examine further during a mole evaluation.
Diameter is Too Large
Moles, small bumps that may arise anywhere on the body, do not always signify cancer. Still, if you have a mole that’s larger than 6 millimeters in diameter and you notice no growth around it or see any other signs of cancer, your doctor might recommend removal.
Evolution of Shape, Size, or Color (or new moles)
Moles can be more than just a curiosity. They are the precursor to skin cancer, and your dermatologist will want to know if their appearance has changed. Changes in size, shape, and color can all be signs that something may not be quite right on your skin. Moles can also be a sign of melanoma, which is cancer of the melanin-producing tissue in the skin. The best way to be sure you have early warning signs of melanoma is by going to your dermatologist every 1-3 years for long-term skin examinations and check-ups which include a mole removal checkup at least once every year!
Other Times You Might Have a Mole Removed
As you get older, you’ll be more likely to develop melanoma, a type of skin cancer. While each person’s chance of developing melanoma depends on several factors, including your genetics, a mole removal check is an important first step to take when monitoring your health. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all people over 40 who have multiple moles review their medical records with their doctor at least annually.
Moles, like freckles, are completely normal and nothing to worry about. But if you have persistent concerns or questions about moles on your skin, talk to your dermatologist. The experts at Euromed Clinic Dubai can give you more advice and resources on how to keep your skin healthy and what to expect in the future when it comes to moles and other types of skin cancer.
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