Moles
April 29, 2008
Moles are pigmented marks that can appear on any part of the body. The majority of moles are solid brown and vary in size and shape. In most cases, they can be either flat, dome-shaped, or smooth with well-defined edges.
Most moles are benign and don’t require treatment but you can have them removed if you mind them. However, moles that appear after you reach 30 or that change in certain ways may become a problem; these may turn into melanoma.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is often curable if treated early but it can also be life-threatening. To manage your risk of this disease, check your moles for changes.
To do this, you need to learn where your moles are and then be sure to check them every month. To check your moles, you will need a full-length mirror as well as a stool or chair to sit on while you check your feet. You can do this right after you take a shower or before you get dressed. Check your body from head to toe. Make a list of your moles, and if you find any new moles or if you have changes in your moles, call your doctor.
Consult your doctor if your moles hurt, itch, ooze, bleed, thicken, become crusty, or show any of the following signs of melanoma:
-A change in size, shape, color, or elevation.
-Asymmetry (when the sides don’t match).
-Varied colors within the same mole.
-When the size is larger than 6 millimeters in diameter.
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