Regularly checking your moles is crucial for early detection of potential skin cancer. This involves visually examining your moles for any changes and utilizing the ABCDE rule.
Understanding Normal Moles
Most harmless moles are:
- Shape: Round or oval.
- Edge: Smooth.
- Texture: Can be flat or raised, smooth or rough.
- Hair: Sometimes have hair growing from them.
- Color: Usually darker on brown and black skin. On lighter skin, they are typically light brown.
The ABCDE Rule for Melanoma Detection
The ABCDE rule helps identify potentially cancerous moles:
- A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
- B - Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C - Color: The color is uneven and may include different shades of brown, black, tan, white, red, or blue.
- D - Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
- E - Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation. New moles or moles that are growing or changing should be monitored closely.
How to Perform a Self-Exam
- Use a full-length mirror: Examine your entire body, including hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and between your toes.
- Use a hand-held mirror: For a better view of hard-to-see areas.
- Check "hidden" areas: Between your fingers and toes, the groin, the soles of your feet, and the backs of your knees.
- Regularly check moles: Conduct self-exams monthly.
- Track changes: Keep records of your moles, noting any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Photographs can be helpful.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you notice any changes in a mole, including bleeding, oozing, itching, or any of the ABCDE characteristics, consult a dermatologist immediately. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
