Although most individuals are not born with moles, they frequently appear as little pigmented areas throughout childhood. Adults often have between 10-40 moles. The majority of these moles are benign or noncancerous, but they can change with time. However, because moles appear in various sizes and shapes, it is tough to tell when they are merely normal growths and when they are indicators of skin cancer. For this reason, it is vital to check your Fort Worth moles frequently and search for signs that it is time to have them examined by an expert. The following are some of the warning signals to look out for:
Moles that are displaying the ABCDEs of Melanoma
If a mole exhibits some of the symptoms of melanoma, it is a good idea to have it analyzed. The ABCDE rule encapsulates this:
- A stands for Asymmetry: Check for asymmetric moles, which have one side that is not the same as the other.
- B stands for Border: A mole with an uneven border, like one that is blurred, fuzzy, or ragged, may be a cause for concern.
- C stands for Color: A mole with various colors, such as brown, black, red, pink, white, or blue, should not be overlooked.
- D stands for Diameter: A diameter of more than 6 millimeters could be alarming. Nonetheless, skin cancer can begin with a considerably smaller diameter.
- E stands for Evolving: A mole that is changing or evolving in any way, whether in color, texture, size, or shape, needs monitoring by a professional.
You Have an Irritating Mole
It is normal to be worried about a mole’s look or irritated when it snags on jewelry or scrapes against your clothing. These concerns are typically indicative of an aesthetic issue instead of your wellness. However, a mole could drastically begin bleeding, painful, itchy, or tender. In such cases, you should have a professional examine it.
You Notice New Moles
Although new moles emerge during your life, these new developments can be harmful to your body. As a result, if you see new moles on your body beyond 30 years, you should have them assessed as soon as possible.
If you are in the high-risk group
You should be aware of some risk factors that can increase your likelihood of acquiring skin cancer, including:
- Family history of skin cancer: If somebody in your family has had skin cancer, you are predisposed to acquiring it at some point in your life.
- More than 100 existing moles: A person with more than a hundred moles has a greater risk of skin cancer than the average person.
- Fair skin, eyes, and hair: Individuals with fair skin, eyes, or hair are more vulnerable to sun damage and, if they are not cautious, are more likely to acquire skin cancer later in life.
If you notice any of the abovementioned symptoms, you should consult the certified dermatology experts at Northstar Dermatology to have your skin examined. However, it is crucial not to panic because skin cancer is almost usually curable if discovered early enough. As a result, it is advisable to have your skin checked every three months and see a specialist if you notice anything unusual. Call the Northland Dermatology office in Richland Hills or request an online appointment online to learn more about moles and explore the available treatment options.
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