Moles are common to have among every person. For as long as your skin is functioning quite well, then there’s generally no cause of concern that you should have, regarding your moles. It’s normal to have these on your skin. When moles are healthy, they’re harmless, and they usually have a smooth feel to it, with a rounded or oval-like shape. Some moles may also have hair growing out of them, while others can also be smooth and flat.
Most healthy moles come with a brownish or blackish color, and they can come in groups, or even be alone. These moles can grow, too, particularly with infants and growing children.
However, there are also instances when a mole can become a cause for concern. This is when you’ll certainly have to see a doctor, to fix that problem and/or inquire about a possible mole removal Orlando. Learn more about moles, and early warning signs of potentially dangerous moles by reading through below.
What A Normal Mole Is
A normal mole is one that’s either brown, black, or tan. Typically, a healthy size would not be anywhere beyond 6 millimeters or the size of a pencil eraser. Healthy moles will usually start to show up in infancy or childhood. Hence, if you’re already in your adult stage and a new mole pops up, that’s when you also know for sure that this should be checked by a doctor.
When you see any of your moles, particularly the larger-sized ones, it’s also your responsibility to check for the size, shape, and color. In doing so, it’ll be easier for you to determine any possible problem areas, which can already be a cause for concern.
What Are The Signs That A Mole Could Be A Bad One
There’s a simple test that you can use to determine whether or not a mole is a normal one or a bad one. This would form the symptoms that a mole is, in fact, already a cause for concern.
This is referred to as the ABCDE test.
- Asymmetry. The one half of a mole doesn’t match that of the other side.
- Border. The border or edges of the mole are irregular and ragged.
- Color. There are different colors of the mole, as a healthy mole is supposed to be only one color.
- Diameter. The diameter size of the mole is larger than that average size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolution. The mole has consistently changed in color and size.
Apart from the ABCDE rule, other warning signs that your mole is already melanoma are:
- A change that occurs in the surface of your mole, particularly when bleeding, oozing or a lump begins to show up.
- A mole has a sore that doesn’t heal.
- The sensation of the mole starts to get uncomfortable, such as when it starts to become itchy, tender, and painful.
- There’s the presence of redness or swelling beyond the mole’s border.
When any of these speak to you, your mole could potentially be cancerous. It’s very important, therefore, that you don’t waste time, and see your doctor immediately.
What Are Other Mole-Like Problems In The Skin
Melanoma isn’t the only cause of concern when it comes to your moles. There’s another skin problem that also appears just like a mole would. This is known as Seborrheic Keratoses.
It’s so easy for people to confuse Seborrheic Keratoses with an ordinary growing mole, as it’s also a black or brown growth in the body. Generally, this can be found in the chest, back, or head. These also look like warts.
Generally, a Seborrheic Keratoses is harmless and wouldn’t need treatment. But, just like moles, you’ve got to be wary of any unusual growth so that you know for certain that this isn’t a cancerous skin problem.
What To Do If The Doctor Thinks Your Mole Is Melanoma
Melanoma, or skin cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer. But, the good news about it is the fact that it’s also one of the easiest to treat. However, this comes with the premise that you’re able to discover your melanoma at an early stage. Else, like any other type of cancer, it can also progress to an advanced stage.
When your doctor thinks that your mole is melanoma or is cancerous, you’ll be referred to a specialist mole removal. Generally, this would all be completed within two weeks, where you’ll also be asked to undergo a surgery to have the mole removed.
How To Avoid Cancerous Moles
When you’ve got a lot of moles in your body, all the more that you’ve got that great responsibility to take good care of your skin. That way, you can avoid your moles turning into cancer.
Here are some of the important things that you should do, to avoid your mole from growing into one that could be potentially dangerous:
- Don’t go out of the sun, without having any protection. The UV rays coming from the sun can potentially increase the risks of a mole developing to cancer. As much as possible, always wear sunscreen whenever you go out.
- Be prudent about checking your moles regularly for any changes that may be happening.
- Always stay in the shade from eleven in the morning to three in the afternoon.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses if you’ve got moles on your face.
What To Know About Atypical Moles
If you’ve got what’s known as an atypical mole, you also have to be more cautious than other individuals. Atypical moles have a higher tendency of turning into melanoma, a very dangerous type of skin cancer.
An atypical mole is one that’s unusual-looking. Generally, a doctor can be able to confirm this strange one through an examination in a microscope.
Atypical moles, along with risk factors of melanoma should mean extra caution for you. This would include those of you with fair skin, freckles, a family history of skin cancer, and repeated sunburn.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of these signs, it should now be easier for you to determine whether or not the moles that you have are still within what’s considered as “normal”. Generally, you can see these through changes in your mole’s shape, size, and even its color. If you’ve got any doubts as to the health of your moles, it’s best to leave this in the hands of the expert skin doctors, or dermatologists. Never self-medicate, as these moles can also be potentially cancerous. When it comes to your health, always stay on the safe side.
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