The Mole Truth

Moles usually are nothing to worry about, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get on the monthly mole patrol. That’s because, in some cases, these pigmented marks can turn into melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Vigilant checking can save your life because melanoma is curable if caught early.

Moles, which usually appear by age 30, typically are brown and round, flat or dome-shaped, and smooth with well-defined edges. Knowing where they are on your body and how they normally look should help you notice any changes, which you should report to your doctor.

The following are signs of melanoma, or mole cancer:

* Asymmetry, in which one half of the lesion doesn’t match the other half.

* Borders that appear to be ragged, notched or blurred.

* Varied colors within the same mole.

* Diameter is larger than that of a pencil eraser.

Because moles can appear anywhere on the body, you need to check pretty much everywhere. It is recommended that you do monthly checks on areas including the arms, hands, torso, head and feet (get help to check your scalp), making note of the number of moles and their appearance. You can check your prior notes to help track changes in moles over time.

Again, most moles are benign and require no treatment. Some people have them removed for appearance’s sake; those that look abnormal should be removed for further examination. Of course, just because your doctor tells you during one visit that your moles are normal doesn’t mean they will remain that way. That’s why constant monitoring is vital to your health.

Source: StayWell Co.