Just about everyone has moles.
Most people have moles on their skin and they are entirely harmless; however, abnormal moles can be a sign of skin cancer. Early diagnosis increase chances of successful treatment, so be aware of the things to watch for. Certain signs can help you tell the difference between a healthy mole and a potentially cancerous one. See a physician if you have any concerns about moles you're not sure about.
Instructions
1. Check the color of your moles. Moles naturally have a wide variation in terms of colors and shapes, but there are certain features that should serve as a red flag for being potentially cancerous. Healthy moles tend to be symmetrical, small, and one color throughout the entire mole.
2. Watch for mole growth. One sign of a potentially cancerous mole is a sudden growth of the mole in question. If an old mole suddenly begins to change or grow, see your doctor.
3. Note the mole shape. Healthy moles tend to be round and symmetrical. A mole that is asymmetrical or an odd shape should be watched closely.
4. Examine your body for raised moles. A normal mole is usually flat. If a mole is raised and is a source of irritation upon being bumped or rubbed, it could be a cause for concern.
5. Look for moles that change color. Most moles are brown; a potentially cancerous mole could be several different colors. If a mole is both brown and black, watch it closely and consult your doctor to be sure that it is not cancerous.
6. Study the mole edges. Examine the edges of body moles. Ragged, blurred edges can be a symptom of a cancerous mole. Healthy moles tend to have edges that are clean and rounded.
7. Consider your skin type and fairness. Many moles on your body may be a sign of being more vulnerable to skin cancer. Being fair-skinned is another reason to keep an especially watchful eye on the health of body moles.
8. Check your skin on a regular basis. Checking the skin periodically can help identify potentially cancerous moles early on, making treatment more likely to be successful.
Tags: potentially cancerous, cancerous mole, Healthy moles, Healthy moles tend, moles tend
