Moles are common skin growths that develop when pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, cluster together instead of spreading evenly throughout the skin. While the majority of moles are harmless, some can change over time or indicate the presence of skin cancer, making regular monitoring important for maintaining skin health. Early detection of changes in moles can significantly improve treatment outcomes for potential skin cancers.
Recognizing Concerning Moles
Observing your moles for specific characteristics can help identify those that might require professional evaluation. The “ABCDEs of Melanoma” provide a framework for recognizing potentially concerning moles. Asymmetry is present when one half of a mole does not match the other half. A mole with an irregular border might have edges that are ragged, blurred, or notched, rather than smooth. Color variation is a sign when a mole displays multiple shades of brown, black, tan, or even red, white, or blue within the same lesion.
Diameter refers to the size of the mole; moles larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, warrant attention, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller. The most important sign is evolving, meaning any change in a mole’s size, shape, color, elevation, or any new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.
Professional Mole Examination
While a primary care physician can offer an initial assessment, a dermatologist, a specialist in skin conditions, possesses specific expertise and tools for thorough mole examinations. Dermatologists undergo extensive training in skin cancer screenings and can detect subtle changes. During a professional mole examination, often referred to as a total body skin exam, you will typically be asked to remove your clothing and wear a gown.
The dermatologist will systematically inspect your entire skin surface, from your scalp to the soles of your feet, including areas not regularly exposed to the sun. They may use a handheld device called a dermatoscope, which magnifies the skin up to 10 times and uses a light source to visualize structures beneath the surface, aiding in the differentiation of benign lesions from potentially cancerous ones. This non-invasive examination typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Understanding Your Results and Next Steps
The most definitive way to determine if a mole is cancerous is through a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is removed for microscopic examination. A shave biopsy removes the top layers of a raised mole using a blade. A punch biopsy utilizes a circular tool to remove a small, cylindrical core of tissue, including deeper layers of the skin. For highly suspicious moles, especially those concerning for melanoma, an excisional biopsy may be performed to remove the entire mole along with a small margin of surrounding tissue.
Following the biopsy, a pathology report will detail the findings, classifying the mole as benign (non-cancerous), atypical (showing some irregular features but not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous, such as melanoma). If the report indicates an atypical mole, especially with moderate to severe atypia, complete removal may be recommended, as these moles carry a higher risk of developing into melanoma. For a melanoma diagnosis, the report will include specific details like tumor thickness and margin clarity, which guides further treatment and follow-up plans.
Regular Self-Checks and Prevention
Conduct a self-examination once a month to become familiar with your skin’s normal appearance and identify any new or changing moles. When performing these checks, examine your entire body, including areas like the scalp, between toes, and the soles of your feet, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see spots. Documenting any suspicious findings, possibly with photographs, can be helpful for tracking changes over time.
Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. Wear sun-protective clothing, including broad-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours or more frequently after swimming or sweating. Avoiding tanning beds, which emit harmful UV radiation, also reduces the risk of skin damage and cancer.