Is That a Mole or Melanoma? What to Watch For!

Moles… We’ve all got them, but they aren’t something that are normally at the forefront of your mind. Until, of course, you notice one that’s looking a bit iffy.

But what turns harmless moles into suspicious moles? And when should you see a dermatologist? Follow our mole vs. melanoma checklist to find out…

The ABCDE Rule for Moles

The easiest way to determine if any mole changes need further investigation is to use the A-B-C-D-E approach.

• A: is for asymmetry. Most moles are reasonably symmetrical. A mole that is significantly different from one side to the other should be checked out by a skin doctor.
• B: is for borders. The edges of a healthy mole should be relatively smooth. Blurred, irregular, or changing borders will warrant a further check.
• C: is for color. Most moles are uniform in shade. Those that range across two or more colors, such as black, brown, red, pink, grey, or anything else, should be looked at by a professional.
• D: is for diameter. If a mole grows to be larger than the average diameter of a pencil, then—once again—it’s worth seeking a clinical assessment.
• E: is for evolving. Any mole that’s changing in any way, such as size, color, shade, shape, or anything else, should be checked by a dermatologist.

What Happens at a Skin Cancer Mole Check?

If you’ve booked to have a particular mole checked out, the dermatologist will determine if it hits any of the criteria that might suggest it’s a form of skin cancer. There are different types of these. Some are non-malignant, the most common of which are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These can usually be removed using a process known as MOHS surgery. 

This involves removing the mole and thin slices of the surrounding tissues, which are assessed during the procedure for any further cancerous cells. This is repeated until no diseased tissue remains. It’s usually done under local anesthetic, meaning the area is numbed but you’re awake throughout.

There are other types of malignant skin cancers, such as melanoma. These require a wider excision and further testing, such as a body scan and/or sentinel lymph node test to check that the cancer hasn’t spread. These usually warrant a general anesthetic or deep sedation, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure. The tissue will need to be sent for further examination to determine exactly which type of cancer it is.

Happily, many skin cancer mole checks will put your mind at rest that the mole is benign. Your dermatologist will likely want to assess your entire body, mapping the moles you have so that any changes in the future can be easily noted.

Indeed, a yearly mole check with an experienced dermatologist is something everyone should consider. That, as well as always using a high-factor sunscreen on exposed skin all year round, is the best way to protect yourself from skin cancer. Self-checks are also key, and something that you should do once a month. 

Remember to look at the hard-to-reach places too, such as beneath your hair, the soles of your feet, in skin folds, and your back. If possible, get someone else to check the areas you can’t easily see, like your back. Alternatively, stand in front of a large mirror and use a smaller, hand-held one to check your rear view.

The key message is that any mole that alters in size, appearance, or color should be checked by a dermatologist or medical professional who specializes in skin cancers. 

Bayou City Dermatology offers a comprehensive mole check and skin cancer service. Head to https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/skin-cancer for more information and call today to book a consultation.