Most people have somewhere between 10-40 moles on their body, and that number changes throughout a lifetime. Moles vary in size and color, ranging from small and pink to large and dark brown. These common moles are almost always harmless and generally don’t require any sort of treatment from a doctor.
There are some moles, however, that could be a sign of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Atypical moles (also called dysplastic nevi) are more likely to develop melanoma. These moles can be identified by their irregular shape, odd color variety and their size, which is bigger than an eraser head. If you have four or more atypical moles, you are at a higher risk for developing melanoma.
An easy method to use to know when to see a doctor for your mole is the ABCDEs of melanoma. It stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving. If you have any moles that have asymmetrical shape, an irregular border, color variation, a diameter of greater than 6 mm and/or have evolved in size, shape or color, you should have a doctor examine it. Only they can determine whether a mole is malignant or not. Be sure to check your skin at least once a month for any of these signs.
A dermatologist should examine any worrisome moles for signs of melanoma. If on the rare chance that your mole is malignant, your dermatologist can remove it and the surrounding tissue in a simple out-patient procedure that will allow the skin to heal fully. Never try to remove a mole on your own, as it can allow cancer to spread from a malignant mole, scar your skin badly or cause an infection.
If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.
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