You’re checking your skin monthly for new or changing moles when you spy something unusual — a new mole has suddenly appeared, or an existing one suddenly looks bigger or changes color. Is this normal? Or could it be melanoma?
Moles themselves are not cancerous, though it is possible for skin cancer to mimic moles. So it’s helpful to understand what to look for when checking your skin, and to know the warning signs of melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Good health starts with a visit to your physician.
What does a normal mole look like?
Moles (sometimes called beauty marks) are circular or oval patches of brown, tan or pink skin that occur when pigment-producing cells multiply in small clusters, about 2 - 5 millimeters in diameter. (Note: 6 millimeters is the equivalent of 1/4 inch.)
They may be flat or raised, and typically have a uniform color and clearly defined borders.
How many moles we have depends on our genes and sun exposure. And, while regular moles are not cancerous themselves, research shows that people who have a larger number of moles are more likely to develop skin cancers, including melanoma.
Know your ABCDEs to identify skin cancer
The easiest way to spot melanoma is to know your ABCDEs. Created by dermatologists, the ABCDE tool spells out warning signs. Look for:
- Asymmetry: If you folded the mole in half, would both sides match? If one side is different from the other, it may signal trouble.
- Border: Is the border clearly defined? Or is it jagged, notched or even blurred — with the pigment spreading into the neighboring skin?
- Color: Does the mole contain more than one color or varying shades of a single color? Most moles are solid brown, pink or tan, but shades of red, white gray, black and even blue may be visible.
- Diameter: How large is the mole? Melanomas may be as small as the head of a pin — but most measure six millimeters or more (approximately 1/4 inch).
- Evolution: Has the mole suddenly appeared, grown or otherwise changed in recent weeks or months?
Other signs to be aware of include moles that itch, bleed, swell or look significantly different from the other moles on your body. Moles that grow back after they’ve been removed are also cause for suspicion.
If you spot a mole or skin lesion with any of these characteristics — or one that just doesn’t look right to you — it’s time to call your doctor to have it examined.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells that help create pigment (color) in our skin.
Roughly 2% of adults will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin at some point during their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. Most melanomas appear on skin that appears normal — only 20 to 30% of melanoma occur in existing moles.
Who is most at risk for melanoma?
Risk factors for melanoma include:
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays: UV rays from the sun, sun lamps and tanning beds damage the DNA in skin cells, which can contribute to the growth of cancerous cells.
- Sunburn: Research shows that the risk of developing melanoma doubles among people who have experienced more than five sunburns.
- Skin and hair color: While everyone is at risk, people with fair skin, red or blonde hair, or blue or green eyes are more likely to develop melanoma than those with darker skin and eyes.
- Family history: Your risk of melanoma increases if one or more of your parents, siblings or children have had melanoma — or if you have a personal history of any type of cancer.
- Age and gender: Before age 50, the risk of melanoma is higher among women. After 50, the risk is higher in men. Overall, your risk for melanoma increases as you age.
- Having a weakened immune system: A weakened immune system, from illness or medical treatments like chemotherapy, are more likely to develop various types of cancer, including melanoma.
Most skin cancers are relatively slow growing, but melanoma can grow very quickly and spread to other parts of the body. But if it’s detected and removed early, the survival rate is 99%. So, if you have any doubts, don’t wait — call your doctor as soon as possible.
5 easy steps you can take right now to prevent melanoma
Exposure to ultraviolet rays — from the sun, sun lamps and tanning beds — is the most common cause of skin cancer. Protecting yourself from these damaging rays is the easiest and most effective way to prevent melanoma.
To keep your skin safe and healthy:
- Slather on the sunscreen: The best sunscreen is one you like and will use every single day. That applies even if you work indoors or at home, because we’re always exposed to reflective light from the sun. Look for a product that offers sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or more, and which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Avoid tanning — indoors or out: Remember that suntanned skin is not a sign of health. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, any change in skin color after you’ve been exposed to UV rays is actually a sign of injury.
- Stay cool in the shade: When you’re outdoors, look for shady spots under trees, awnings or umbrellas. Or make your own shade by wearing a wide-brimmed hat that protects your face, neck and ears.
- Protect your eyes: Because your eyes have melanin-producing cells — which produce the pigment that colors your eyes — they are also susceptible to melanoma. It’s wise to wear UV-coated sunglasses that wrap around to provide coverage on all sides.
- Cover up: In addition to sunscreen, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs. If possible, choose tops and pants that have been specially treated to provide UV protection.
