Review a mole – understand the importance of monitoring your skin in search of suspicious moles and learn to detect possible signs of skin cancer.

Check a mole - understand the importance of monitoring your skin in search of suspicious moles and learn to detect possible signs of skin cancer.

Examining moles regularly is an important practice for skin care and early detection of possible skin cancer. Lunars, also known as nevings, are skin growths that appear when skin cells grow grouped instead of extending. They can vary in color, shape and size. Although most moles are harmless, it is essential to be attentive to any change in their appearance, since they could be skin cancer indicators.

  • Sel f-exploration: You can make a sel f-examination of its moles following the ABCDE rule:
    1. Asymmetry: Look for any irregular or slope in the mole, unlike a round or oval shape.
    2. Edge: examine the edges of the mole and check if they are blurred, irregular or poorly defined.
    3. Color: Look at any color change, such as the presence of various colors inside the mole or the darkening of an existing moon.
    4. Diameter: Measure the diameter of the mole and consult a dermatologist if it exceeds 6 millimeters (approximately the size of the eraser of a pencil).
    5. Evolutionary: pay attention to any change in the size, shape or lifting of the mole over time. This could include itching, bleeding or scabs.

IMPORTANT: If you observe any of these warning signs during your sel f-exploration, it is advisable to concern an appointment with a dermatologist for a professional evaluation. Detection and precocious treatment considerably improve the possibilities of successfully controlling any possible skin condition.

In addition, it is essential to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure and use sunscreens with high FPS. Periodic control of moles and adequate sun protection are proactive measures to maintain healthy skin.

Checking Moles: Why It’s Important and How to Do It Correctly

Why is it important to control moles?

Over time, moles can become melanoma, a type of skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, and early detection is key to the success of treatment. The periodic inspection of the moles allows to identify any change in size, shape, color or texture that can indicate a possible problem.

In addition, knowing the moles and their characteristics helps to distinguish between normal moles and possible signs of serious skin diseases. In this way, you can take preventive measures and, if necessary, quickly go to the doctor.

How to check the polka dots correctly:

  1. Examine the whole body: Start by visually inspect your skin from head to your feet. Use a mirror and ask for help to review the difficult areas to see, such as scalp, back and back of the ears.
  2. Follow the ABCDE rule: remember the acronym ABCDE to help you identify potentially worrying moles. A means asymmetry, b irregular edges, c irregular coloration, d diameter greater than the rubber of erase from a pencil and lunars that evolve or change.
  3. Take note of any change: keep a record of your moles, including your size, color, shape and any change you observe. This documentation will be useful to control any alteration over time.
When to look for medical attention:
If you observe any of the following signs, it is essential that you consult a dermatologist:
  • A lunar that has an irregular or teeth edge.
  • A mole that has several colors or shows color changes over time.
  • A moon that measures more than a quarter of an inch diameter.
  • A lunar that pikes, hurts or bleeds.
  • A lunar that has appeared recently or has changed size, shape or elevation.

Author of the article
Dr.Greenblatt M.
Dr.Greenblatt M.
Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont

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