Relationship Between Moles and Skin Cancer
You have moles. You look at them as the small brown or black marks on your skin, just like you do with freckles. The majority of them are harmless. However, sometimes a mole is indicative of something dangerous – cancer of the skin. Relax! Most moles are not cancer. But knowing at least when a mole may not be just a mole is for some reason. For that reason, let us walk you through a subject of interest when you should start to pay attention to a mole. We shall also discuss what signs mean when it is time to see a doctor.
What Is a Mole, Anyway?
Let’s first define what a mole is in reality before we learn when to be concerned about it. A mole, or nevus (plural, nevi), is more or less an aggregation of skin cells rather than spreading itself out. These cells are the melanocytes that produce our skin color, and they multiply in groups in this malignant mode, making what we perceive as a mole.
In fact, the number of moles on a person’s body varies from 10 to 40. They might be either congenital or develop at some age. But moles are generally developed in childhood ranging up to the third decade of life.
Moles and Skin Cancer
But how does this link to cancer? Melanoma, which grows from a dark spot, is skin cancer. Melanoma develops in the same melanocyte cells found in moles. That’s why changes in a mole or a new mole that appears different from the others can sometimes be a marker for melanoma.
Remember, though, that melanoma is pretty rare. Pretty rare. Most moles will never turn into cancer. However, some individuals with more than 50 moles or moles that look unusual may be more prone to developing melanoma.
When to Pay Attention to a Mole?
Alright! We have learned what moles are and how they often might be associated with skin cancers, but when do you know you should get a little concerned about one particular mole? The answer is a few trick key things to look for:
The ABCDEs of Mole Checking
Doctors often tell people to remember the ABCDE rule, which is supposed to remind people of something. Okay, let’s break this down simply:
A is for Asymmetry: If you imagine geometrically dividing your mole into two halves, they must look identical. If not, that’s asymmetry. Most benign moles are pretty symmetrical.
B is for Border: The borders of an average mole are usually smooth, and even if those borders are ragged, notched, or blurry, there is something to note.
C is for Color: Most moles are single colored-most moles are different shades of brown. But sometimes you’ll see brown, tan, black, red, white, or blue—something to look out for.
D stands for diameter. This means measuring the mole. In general, benign moles are below 6 millimeters in diameter, but moles of any larger size could be a problem.
E stands for Evolving, which means changing over time. If a mole becomes more extensive, changes color, or becomes itchy or bleeding, it should be checked out.
The Ugly Duckling Sign
On the other hand, doctors also search for the Ugly Duckling sign. It could be identified as one mole more prominent than all the others on your body. It may be more prominent, differently colored, or another odd shape. Those stand out like the ugly duckling, and if you have one distinctly bizarre, check it out about new moles.
For most of us, new moles develop until age 40, and after that, they become less prominent. If a new mole appears after age 40, it’s something to watch for. Have the doctor look to see if it differs from your other moles.
Risk Factors: What to be extra vigilant about?
Some moles increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Be even more careful when checking moles if;
- You have a fair complexion, light hair, or light eyes
- You have had several sunburns, especially severe ones
- You spend a lot of time in the sun or use tanning beds
- You have melanoma in your family
- You have more than 50 moles
- You have some moles with big size or an unusual shape
If any of these apply to you, then you wouldn’t mean that you have skin cancer for sure, but instead, this is a reason for you to be extra keen on proper steps for your skin on aspects of sun exposure and continue keeping tabs on your moles.
How to Check Your Moles?
Now that you know what to look for, how do you check your moles? Here are some tips:
Check-in on your skin at least every month is excellent.
Use a mirror to look at spots that are hard to see yourself, or ask your family member.
Take pictures of your moles to determine whether changes are observed over time.
Be even more careful with areas of the skin exposed to the sun, namely your face, ears, neck, arms, and hands.
And remember: you don’t have to make checking your moles difficult or boring. Know your skin, and know what’s normal for you. And then you’ll probably catch if something changes.
What if You notice something worrying?
Don’t freak out if you find some of the ABCDE signs, an “ugly duckling” mole, or a change in your moles. Most bizarre moles are harmless, yet it is always better to be safe than sorry. Get an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist and let them decide for you.
Through dermatoscopy, the doctor will examine the mole closer, maybe under a magnified view. Depending on what the doctor suspects, you may even have to undergo a biopsy. He/she will remove part or all of the mole and test for cancer cells in the laboratory. It feels pretty scary, but it’s a minor procedure that can be done right in the office.
Prevention: Protecting Your Skin
We cannot help prevent all kinds of skin cancers, but what we can do is much to prevent ourselves from getting them. The best way is to protect oneself from the sun by simply following these simple steps:
- Sunscreen: For regular activities, even during cloudy days, wear sunscreen lotion. Apply the lotion if you will be outdoors for two hours or more in direct sunlight.
- Protective clothing: Some other clothes can help shield your skin from the scorching rays.
- Avoid sun exposure, particularly during the brightest part of the day.
- Avoid tanning beds. There is no “safe” tan. Any change in skin color means that it’s suffering from damage.
The Bottom Line
Part of what determines how well you will take care of your health is the knowledge about the moles on your body and whether you should worry about them. In any case, having moles does not mean you will develop skin cancer; a mole usually does not indicate anything serious when it changes.
It only needs to be aware of and not fearful. Learn your skin, take care of it against the sun, and consult the doctor if you detect any oddity. Simple knowledge and precautions will help you enjoy the sunshine while ensuring healthy skin for many more years.
This is because, as you would recall, your skin is the largest organ in your body and does so much to protect you. Paying back that kindness with proper care to this organ is one of the best things you could do to improve your general well-being.