You may have moles that differ in appearance throughout your body but they are generally nothing to worry about. However, there are occasions where a mole might be a sign READ MORE
You may have moles that differ in appearance throughout your body but they are generally nothing to worry about. However, there are occasions where a mole might be a sign that you are at risk for developing skin cancer, or already have skin cancer and not even know it.
In this light, if you spot a suspicious mole or growth anywhere on your body, you can visit us here at Shady Grove Dermatology, LLC in Rockville MD so one of our dermatologists can determine whether or not you should be worried.
Are You at Risk for Developing Skin Cancer?
Most Rockville moles, as mentioned above, are often benign or noncancerous. That being said, they could likewise be warning signs of the most serious type, yet the least common, form of skin cancer—melanoma. Risk factors typically involve:
- 35 to 75 years of age
- Blonde or red hair
- Light skin
- Light-colored eyes
- Severe sun damage
- Skin cancer in the family
- Consistent use of tanning beds
What Your Moles Can Tell You
A thorough skin examination by your Rockville moles dermatologist is the most surefire way to determine whether or not you have skin cancer. The reason for this is that it could be difficult to detect the signs of skin cancer, as they’re usually subtle during its earliest stages. The following are signs you should look out for:
- Any changes and differences in your moles. Melanoma may commonly appear like normal moles. But they could be distinguished and identified by certain characteristics with the use of the “ABCDE” method, as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation:
- Asymmetry: The halves of the mole or lesion are unequal.
- Border: The borders or edges of the mole are unclear and irregular in shape. Benign moles, on the other hand, have smoother and more even edges.
- Color: Melanoma may have various shades of brown, black, or tan. As it develops, colors like white, blue, or red may likewise surface.
- Diameter: A normal mole’s diameter should not exceed six millimeters.
- Evolving: Changes in a mole or moles and unusual patches of skin that suddenly appear should be professionally checked out.
- Changes in your fingernails or toenails. Skin cancer could also develop in those areas. They may look like dark spots or marks under your nails.
- Prevalent pimples or sores. Skin cancer can occasionally appear like a red or pink bump similar to a pimple, although this bump does not go away. Other skin cancers can cause or look like ulcers and sores that don’t seem to heal.
- Scaly patches. Likewise known as actinic keratosis, this kind of patches is a common skin cancer warning sign.
- Persistent itchiness, tenderness, or pain. Do not ignore these sensations, most especially if the area of the surrounding skin changes in appearance.
- The difference in the surface of the mole, which could include scaliness, bleeding, or the emergence of a bump or lump.
For Concerns or Questions About Suspicious Moles, Reach Out to Us
Dial (240) 246-7417 to arrange a skin exam with one of our dermatologists here at Shady Grove Dermatology, LLC in Rockville MD.