If you have moles on your body, then you need to keep an eye on them to be sure those tiny moles don't end up being cancerous. The best way to know if your mole could be cancerous is to make an appointment with your dermatologist for a thorough exam and to have all of your moles (and any other unusual spots) inspected. Read on for symptoms and changes to watch out for with your moles.
1. Asymmetry
If your moles are not symmetric, as in half of the mole is not like the other it should be checked. If you look at both sides of the mole they should be the same. If the sides match, it may be a normal mole, but if they do not it could be a cancerous mole.
2. Irregular Shape
Most moles usually have a border that is well-defined. If your mole has an irregular shape such as a scalloped border or a faded edge it may be a cause for concern.
3. Irregular Color
If the color of your mole is brown or tan this may not be a cause for concern. If, however, your mole is black or has different colors in it such as red, blue, darker brown, or lighter tan, it may be something to have checked out.
4. Size
If the size of your mole is on the large side (larger than 1/4" in diameter) you may want to have the mole checked by the dermatologist.
5. Any Changes To Your Moles
If there are any changes to your existing moles that you've taken notice of, you need to get to the dermatologist for an exam.
What Happens At Your Dermatology Appointment?
If you have spotted any irregular moles on your body or you aren't sure if your moles are irregular, make an appointment with the dermatologist. At the first appointment, your dermatologist will go over your body looking for atypical moles.
If an atypical mole is spotted, the dermatologist may remove part of the mole or even all of it to have it examined further. Once your dermatologist has the results of the biopsy, and if they are malignant, you may be required to come back in for more of the area to be scraped to be sure all cancerous cells are removed.
If the mole was benign, your dermatologist may ask that you come back in for regular checkups to keep an eye on your moles.
Take good care of your skin by keeping an eye out for any changes. Be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least SPF 5 anytime you are in the sun and try to cover up whenever in the sun. For more information, contact a company like Strnot Dermatology.
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