While irregular moles warrant attention, not all are cancerous. Understanding their characteristics can help guide appropriate action.
The Nature of Moles
Moles are common skin growths formed by clusters of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. These pigmented spots can appear anywhere on the body, varying in color from skin tone to brown or black. Most moles are harmless and develop during childhood and young adulthood.
An “irregular” or “atypical” mole, medically termed a dysplastic nevus, often exhibits features like an irregular shape, varied colors, or ill-defined borders. While generally benign, their presence can indicate an increased risk for developing melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, elsewhere on the body. They may also potentially progress into melanoma over time.
Recognizing Potentially Concerning Moles
The “ABCDEs” of melanoma detection provide a useful guide for self-assessment, highlighting characteristics more commonly seen in melanomas. Observing your moles for these changes can help identify those requiring professional evaluation.
Asymmetry refers to one half of the mole not matching the other half in shape or appearance. Common moles typically appear symmetrical. Border irregularity means the edges are ragged, notched, or blurred, unlike the smooth, even borders of most benign moles.
Color variation is a warning sign, indicating the mole has different shades of tan, brown, or black, and sometimes includes red, white, or blue. A benign mole usually displays a single, uniform color. Diameter larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, should prompt attention, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
Evolving refers to any change in the mole’s size, shape, color, or elevation over time. New symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting are also important evolving signs. These ABCDE signs serve as indicators that a mole may be concerning, but they do not confirm a diagnosis of cancer.
When Professional Evaluation is Necessary
Seeking a medical opinion is important if you notice any mole exhibiting one or more of the ABCDE signs. A new mole appearing in adulthood also warrants attention. Moles that are painful, itchy, bleeding, or that do not heal are additional reasons to consult a healthcare provider.
A family history of melanoma or having many moles, particularly atypical ones, can increase an individual’s risk. In such cases, professional evaluations may be recommended more frequently. Early detection of melanoma significantly improves treatment outcomes.
The Diagnostic Process and Next Steps
When a healthcare provider suspects a mole may be concerning, they will perform a visual inspection of your skin, often using a dermatoscope for closer examination. If the mole remains suspicious, a biopsy will typically be performed.
A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample of the mole for laboratory analysis. Common methods include excisional biopsy, which removes the entire mole, or punch and shave biopsies, which remove a portion. The choice depends on the mole’s size, location, and other factors.
The removed tissue sample is then sent to a pathology laboratory, where a pathologist examines it under a microscope. The pathologist determines if the cells are benign (non-cancerous), atypical, or cancerous (melanoma). Based on these results, your doctor will discuss the findings and recommend appropriate next steps, ranging from continued monitoring to further treatment if melanoma is diagnosed.
Proactive Skin Health and Monitoring
Proactive skin health involves both self-care and professional oversight. Consistent sun protection is a primary strategy for preventing skin damage. This includes regularly applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours (typically 10 AM to 4 PM). Avoiding tanning beds is also advised due to their link to increased skin cancer risk.
Regularly performing self-examinations of your skin, ideally monthly, helps you identify any new or changing spots. A full-length mirror and a handheld mirror can assist in checking all areas of your body, including hard-to-see spots. Additionally, annual professional skin exams with a dermatologist are recommended, especially for individuals with many moles, atypical moles, or a history of significant sun exposure. This combined approach is important for early detection and overall skin health.