Watch Out for That Ugly Duckling Mole!

Moles and birthmarks are extremely common colored or pigmented spots that occur on the skin. Some people may just have a few, while others can literally have hundreds of moles scattered about their bodies. Most moles are harmless, but it is very important to know what moles should look like and also what to look for to help recognize a cancerous mole (melanoma) forming on the skin. If caught early, melanomas are typically curable. Here are a few tips about moles:

1) It is important to "get to know" your moles so you can recognize if they change. Though most moles and birthmarks are harmless, if they change it will be much easier to detect if you and your physician know what they previously looked like. Consider taking pictures in areas that are difficult to follow such as the back and backside of the legs.

2) Get to know your ABCDE's. The ABCDE system to evaluate moles was created as a warning system for melanoma:

Asymmetry: one half of the mole is different than the other half of the mole

Border: a mole with irregular, notched, or jagged borders

Color: often have multiple colors or dark, irregular colors

Diameter: moles larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm)

Evolving: any growing, changing, or symptomatic mole

3) Watch out for the Ugly Duckling Sign! If you notice a mole that looks different than your other moles, it is probably a good idea to have it checked out. Skin cancer and specifically, melanoma, is typically an area of the skin that appears different than the other moles on your body.

4) Perform a monthly self-skin exam. If you notice a mole that seems different, watch it closely for change or have it examined as soon as you can.

5) Ask your doctor to do a baseline skin cancer screening. It only takes a few minutes but could save your life. Catching a melanoma early is very important so that it doesn't have a chance to spread internally.

6) Check your birthday suit on your birthday! It is generally recommended to have a dermatologist perform a yearly skin cancer screening, but that depends on your risk factors as well as personal and family history.

In summary, it is important to get to know your moles so that you can recognize if they have changed. By following the ABCDE system, combined with careful evaluation by a dermatologist, melanomas can usually be caught early before they have a chance to spread.