Melanoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in young adults. Although it is easily treated if caught early, it can be life-threatening if diagnosed at later stages. Melanoma can arise from a mole or can develop on normal skin as a pigmented area. The best way to protect yourself is to examine your skin and watch for any new pigmented spots or moles that are changing. If you have a concern, you should see your family doctor or dermatologist. We can help you determine what to look for to determine when you need to have a spot professionally examined.

Also known as a nevus or nevi (plural), a mole forms when pigmented skin cells called melanocytes make a cluster. They are genetically determined and appear during childhood when the skin is exposed to UV rays. The melanocytes cluster and produce melanin from harmful UV rays, which results in a mole. Moles can appear in many colors, such as brown, tan, black, pink, red, and even blue. They can be flat or raised, with an even border and uniform shape. It’s normal for most people to have up to 40 moles, those with more than 50 are more likely to be predisposed to melanoma.

The UV rays that help form moles in our youth are the same UV rays that can cause a mole to become cancerous. Before a mole can become life-threatening skin cancer, it goes through a few stages. Some moles can grow rapidly; however, most grow very slowly and can take several years, which gives you time to identify and treat melanoma before it becomes malignant.

To prevent a mole from turning into melanoma, early action is imperative. If a mole needs to be removed, your family doctor or dermatologist can perform a biopsy and check it for signs of cancer. If the results are abnormal, you can discuss additional treatments. Most of the time, it can be as simple as removing the entire mole from the skin.

Determining if you should have your mole checked out can be as easy as learning your ABCs. If you spot a mole that you think could be cancerous, you can follow the melanoma ABCDE checklist at home to determine if you should schedule an appointment.

Check your mole for the following:

If your mole shows any of these signs, you should make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. Even if you’re only at the appointment to have a specific mole checked, ask to have your entire skin checked to be safe. While it’s best to be cautious, it’s also good to know that most moles are not cancerous and that a cancerous mole is very treatable. If you have a family history of melanoma, it is best to have a complete skin exam every year.

Along with doing at-home skin checks with your ABCDEs, there are other ways you can protect yourself and your skin from skin cancer.

• Limit sun exposure, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 2 pm)
• Avoid tanning beds or other UV light sources
• Wear wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Wear mineral type, non-chemical sunscreen of at least SPF 30
• Look over your skin annually (If you have someone close to you, have them examine your skin.)

Finding a questionable mole on your body can be concerning, but it’s always best to be cautious. By identifying a precancerous mole early, you could be saving your life. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor or dermatologist to ease your mind and protect your skin. At Robinson MD, we emphasize preventative care for cancer and offer treatment for skin cancer and other health concerns. To learn if our practice is right for you, take our Wellness Questionnaire.