How do I know if a mole is worrisome? Understanding Melanoma
Author
Dr. Rachel Ruppel
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. While Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma make up the majority of skin cancers, melanoma is by the far most serious type and can be life threatening. The good news is, that when caught early, the prognosis for melanoma is excellent.
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. It's 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.
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 (about 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.
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.
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