Many people have moles, some more than others. A person should be aware of what a mole looks like normally as well as what to watch for if they are cancerous. Moles are typically dark brown in color and usually flat or raised on the skin. Most times moles develop in the early years up to age twenty.
Many moles are not harmful, but in some cases, moles can be cancerous, like melanoma that usually develops from existing moles while other moles start from dark spots on skin. You might be unaware of the symptoms of a cancerous mole in your skin. To be sure that your mole is not cancerous, let your doctor screen it to determine if the mole is risky.
Symptoms of a cancerous mole are not always noticeable. Unfortunately there are no common symptoms that will definitely tell you if a mole is cancerous or not. Moles are typically a plain brown spot, they can be in various shades of brown from a light color to a dark and the size and shapes can also vary. The surface of a mole can be wrinkled, flat, or raised. It is important that you monitor your moles regularly and check if there are some changes similar to the following:
1. An existing mole changes in color like dark brown to light brown, blue or red.
2. The mole changes in shape from oval to round.
3. The mole changes in size or becomes irritated.
4. New moles are appearing.
Some types of moles are risky because they have the characteristics of cancer. If the mole is large since birth, or commonly known as congenital nevi, it is usually considered a risk factor and may develop into malignant melanoma. This type of mole should be seen by the doctor as early as possible. If the mole is hereditary and larger than the usual size of other moles, it may also eventually develop into malignant melanoma. To avoid risking your health due to moles such as this, always seek the opinion of the doctor for professional examination and recommendation.
There are also some signs that need immediate medical attention such as the appearance of mole at past age twenty, itchy skin, surface is oozing or bleeding, skin is inflamed, skin is scaly or crusty, or it takes a form of a sore that does not heal.
Moles and skin condition should always be checked regularly. Doctors and dermatologists give simple A-B-C-D instructions on how to check your own skin at home on a regular basis. To detect melanoma, look for Asymmetrical shape or irregular shape of mole, Border that has irregularity, Colors change from time to time, and Diameter or larger size of mole.
Moles may be a small part of the skin that is hardly noticed. If symptoms of cancerous mole are not present, it does not guarantee that the skin is healthy. Let the doctor conclude the condition of your skin for your own safety and protection. It is also advisable that you limit your exposure to sunlight; use sunscreen and other protections available. Early detection of cancerous skin mole and prevention of its occurrence is always the right step to take to make sure that you are in a healthy and risk-free condition.