How do I know if a mole is worrisome? Understanding Melanoma
Author:
Dr. Rachel Ruppel
Am I at risk?
Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma. Fair skinned individuals (think red hair, light eyes, freckles) are at higher risk. Having many moles, irregular moles, or a family history of melanoma represent other risk factors. However, even if you don’t have any of these risk factors, it is still possible to develop a melanoma.
What can I do at home?
No matter your risk, check your skin from head-to-toe on a monthly basis at home. It is important to take an inventory of your moles and get to know them. Believe it or not, half of melanomas are discovered by patients themselves. The A-B-C-D-E rule below is a simple way to remember the warning signs of melanoma. It should be applied when assessing your moles at home.
- A is for Asymmetry – It may be concerning if one half of a mole doesn’t match the other.
- B is for Border – Healthy moles tend to have smooth, even borders. Potentially worrisome moles may have irregular borders that appear blurry, wavy or scalloped.
- C is for Colour – Multiple colours in a single mole can be a red flag.
- D is for Diameter – If a mole has a diameter larger than 6mm (approximately the size of a pencil eraser), this may be a warning sign.
- E is for Evolution – Any change in a mole or new symptom should be reported to your dermatologist for examination.
In addition to assessing individual moles by applying the A-B-C-D-E rule, it is equally important to look for “The Ugly Duckling.” This refers to any spot that looks different than the neighbouring moles.
What’s next?
If any of your moles show these warning signs, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Your dermatologist will examine your moles with a dermatoscope, which is a special instrument that is used to help diagnose skin lesions with better accuracy. If there is any concern, a biopsy may be recommended.
