Skin moles are also called nevi and are pigmented growths on the surface of the skin. Moles are fairly common as most adults have at least a few somewhere on their body. The majority of the time moles are harmless, but it is important to have them checked periodically as some could become cancerous. Dr. Jeffrey Heller, the experienced dermatologist at Heller Dermatology Center in Daytona Beach, FL, screens moles for signs of cancer and performs mole removal as needed.
What Are Moles?
Moles are brown or black spots on the skin that are usually oval or round in shape. Some moles can be raised, while others are fairly flat. Additionally, moles can have either a rough or smooth texture. Most adults have between 10-40 moles across their skin.
Moles are formed by melanocyte cells, which are responsible for pigmentation in the skin. Melanocyte cells are usually spread out across the skin but sometimes grow together in clusters. Moles form when several melanocyte cells grow in a cluster.
Moles and Skin Cancer Warning Signs
Most moles are benign and rarely become cancerous, but some can develop melanoma. Melanoma is a rare type of skin cancer, but also the most deadly. Individuals with more than 50 moles have an increased risk of developing melanoma, especially if they have had excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds.
There are several warning signs that a mole could possibly be cancerous. The skilled doctor at our dermatology center in Daytona Beach, FL, can identify a mole that exhibits signs of cancer. A biopsy can be performed on suspicious moles to determine if cancer is present. Benign moles with an increased risk of developing melanoma can be removed to reduce the risk of becoming cancerous.
A simple way to know what to look for when examining moles is something known as the ABCDE rules or guide, which stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving.
- Asymmetry — Moles should be symmetrical in color, size, and shape. Asymmetry between two sides of a mole is a warning sign that cancer could be present.
- Border — The edges or border of a mole should be well-defined. An irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edge is an indication that the mole could be cancerous.
- Color — Moles should have a consistent color throughout. An inconsistent color, such as brown with black dots, is a cancer warning sign.
- Diameter — Benign moles tend to be smaller than 6mm or 1/4 inch in diameter. Moles with a diameter larger than 6mm are more likely to be cancerous.
- Evolving — Moles should not change much over time. Changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of a mole are an indication that cancer could be present.
It is important to check your moles regularly using the ABCDE method. See a dermatologist right away if any moles display warning signs of skin cancer. Schedule a skin cancer screening with Dr. Heller and assessment of a suspicious mole by calling Heller Dermatology Center in Daytona Beach, FL, at (386) 239-8700.