Looking For Moles

A skin mole is a round spot on the skin that looks similar to a freckle. The difference is that they are raised and bumpy while freckles are completely flat. Skin moles can be large, small and can look red, brown, black, red, and pink.

Skin moles are usually dysplastic and atypical depending on their color, size and shape. Dysplastic nevi can be larger than most of the average moles and will have borders that are indistinct and can be from tan to dark brown. Most moles will appear on the skin when they are 5 - but they will have them when they are born.

Dysplastic nevi is also an indication of a high risk of developing melanoma. This health risk will increase when there are a number of dysplastic nevi, there is a family history of melanoma in the family, and when the skin is light-colored and has many freckles due to large amount of exposure to the sun.

When it comes to identifying moles, doctors will use the “ABCDs of Melanoma Detection”.

A. Asymmetrical - Dysplastic nevi are usually asymmetrical. If the lesion is folded in half than the two parts would not match up together.
B. Border irregular - The borders are usually poorly defined or may have the look of a fried-egg.
C. Color varies - An atypical nevus will usually have more than one color to it.
D. Diameter - It is true that melanomas are usually more than 6 millimeters in diameter - but there is a chance that they could be diagnosed when they are smaller. The best thing to do is to watch out for a mole that might be significantly different than the others or that will bleed, itch, or even change its appearance. If you see any of these signs you should see your dermatologist.