The multidisciplinary team offers care and support every step of the way, so you can get you back to enjoying the things you love most. Learn more at bronsonhealth. Read about his experience. Share your Positivity. Get the latest health tips and trends in a monthly email from Bronson. Subscribe here. Signs of skin cancer Though most moles on the body are harmless, they are often one of the first visible signs of skin cancer. Spot the difference between healthy and cancerous moles Most moles are benign.
Detecting malignant moles in early stages of growth can help catch skin cancers, like: Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Melanoma When monitoring your moles, look for color, shape and size. A symmetry A healthy mole is symmetrical. This means the left and right side look alike.
B orders A healthy mole has even borders. This means that the edges are clean and form a circle or oval shape. C olor Healthy moles are all the same color — usually a shade of brown. If a mole is unhealthy, it might be black or many different colors. D iameter Healthy moles are usually smaller than 6 mm across. This is about the size of a pencil eraser.
Larger congenital moles have a greater risk of becoming malignant in adulthood 4 to 6 percent lifetime risk. Changes in growth, color, shape, or pain of a birthmark should be evaluated by a doctor. They can appear anywhere on your skin. People with fair skin can normally have between 10 and 40 of these moles. If you have darker skin or dark hair, your moles may be darker than those of people with fairer skin. Atypical moles can appear anywhere on your body. Atypical moles are often on the trunk, but you can also get them on your neck, head, or scalp.
They rarely appear on the face. Benign atypical moles may have some of the same characteristics as melanoma a type of skin cancer. Atypical moles have the potential to become cancerous.
If members of your family have a lot of atypical moles, you may have familial atypical multiple mole melanoma FAMMM syndrome. Your risk of melanoma is New moles may be benign or they may be cancerous. Genetic mutations are likely involved. A research study reported that genetic mutations of the BRAF gene were present in 78 percent of benign acquired moles.
BRAF mutations are known to be involved in melanoma. The interaction of ultraviolet light UV , both natural and artificial, with DNA is known to cause genetic damage that can lead to the development of melanoma and other skin cancers.
The sun exposure can occur during childhood or young adulthood and only much later result in skin cancer. New moles are more likely to become cancerous. A review of case studies found that When an old mole changes, or when a new mole appears in adulthood, you should see a doctor to check it out. Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, but new moles or spots may also be basal cell or squamous cell cancers.
Moles can develop anywhere on your body, including your scalp, armpits, under your nails, and between your fingers and toes. Most people have 10 to 40 moles. Many of these develop by age Moles may change in appearance or fade away over time. Hormonal changes of adolescence and pregnancy may cause moles to become darker and larger. This ABCDE guide can help you determine if a mole or a spot may indicate melanoma or other skin cancers:. Cancerous malignant moles vary greatly in appearance.
Some may show all of the features listed above. Others may have only one or two. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives your skin its color.
It's produced in cells called melanocytes. Moles are caused when cells in the skin melanocytes grow in clusters or clumps. Melanocytes are distributed throughout your skin and produce melanin, the natural pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanoma is the main complication of moles.
Some people have a higher than average risk of their moles becoming cancerous and developing into melanoma. Factors that increase your risk of melanoma include:. The following measures can help limit the development of moles and the main complication of moles — melanoma. Become familiar with the location and pattern of your moles. Regularly examine your skin to look for changes that may signal melanoma.
Do self-exams once a month, especially if you have a family history of melanoma. If you confirm that the mole is indeed new, go ahead and make an appointment with your dermatologist for a checkup in the near future.
Your dermatologist will examine any suspicious moles to determine if they need to be removed and, if necessary, biopsied. If the mole grows back again, see your dermatologist immediately, as this is a sign of melanoma. Other potential symptoms of melanoma, according to the Melanoma Research Foundation , include a mole that:.
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