Skin Cancer/Mole Check

The A, B, C, D’s of Checking Moles

A mole is simply a growth, flat or raised, that comes from the pigment-producing cells in your skin. They are harmless, but they can become cancerous. In fact, people with a lot of moles have 10 times the risk of developing skin cancer than those who don’t. The most common area where moles turn into skin cancer is on the back, so it’s important to know what to look for when conducting skin self exams.

If any of your moles fall into one of the following ABCD categories, there’s a chance it is potentially cancerous, and you should have it checked out by a dermatologist right away.

• Asymmetrical – When you divide the mole in half, one half doesn’t match the other
• Border – Irregular, ragged, notched or blurred
• Color – Uneven shades of brown, red, white or blue. Black lesions also should be checked.
• Diameter – Larger than a pencil eraser

You should also look for changes in:

• Color
• Size (first sign a mole is turning cancerous is an increase in size)
• Shape
• Elevation
• Surface
• Surrounding Skin
• Consistency
• Sensation

A general rule of thumb is to look for the “Ugly Duckling Sign:”  Any mole that looks different than other moles on the body.

Also, if you have any lesion/growth that bleeds, any changing mole, or other skin growth or abnormality, it should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist.

These are only guidelines. They cannot be comprehensive or replace a thorough exam by your primary doctor or dermatologist. Skin exams by a dermatologist are recommended every three years after the age of 20 and every year after 40.

Information provided by:  Bryan C. Schultz, MD, Dermatology, (708) 383-6366.