Moles warn of disease

Most moles are harmless, but they can also be a warning sign of a type of skin cancer. A mole could be a melanoma. If caught early, melanoma can be treated and cured. Therefore, everyone should observe and check their body for moles to screen for disease.

Moles are common and almost everyone has a few. They can grow anywhere on the skin and are usually brown or black. Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in clusters, rather than being spread throughout the skin. These cells, called melanocytes, are located in the bottom part of the epidermis and are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that determines a person's skin color.

The ABCDEs used by dermatologists to identify dangerous moles include: asymmetry, irregular borders, color, diameter, and evolving. Paying attention to the shape, size, color, and any changes in the mole can help determine whether it is benign or malignant.

Here are tips for identifying moles using the ABCDE method:

A - Asymmetry

A mole with two asymmetrical halves

A benign mole has two symmetrical halves. If you draw an imaginary line over a malignant mole, two mismatched, asymmetrical halves are a warning sign of a malignant tumor.

B - Irregular contour

Moles with irregular borders.

The border of the mole is unclear, uneven, especially bumpy like a shell, V-shaped, is a malignant mole warning of a tumor.

C - Color

Moles come in many colors

Benign moles are a very uniform color such as brown, red or black. If the mole has many colors, it is definitely a malignant tumor. For example, if you see a mole that is brown mixed with black, red, white or blue, it is best to have it checked immediately.

D - Diameter

Moles with large diameter

Benign moles are usually smaller in diameter than malignant moles. A mole that is larger than a pencil eraser is definitely a melanoma. Melanomas are usually larger than 1/4 inch or 6 mm.

E - Development

Moles that develop over time

Benign moles do not change over time, but malignant moles change and grow. If you notice a change in a mole in size, shape, color, or anything else, see your doctor.

According to experts, the ABCDE method is an effective way to identify benign or malignant moles. However, in some exceptional cases, it is not completely correct. Therefore, experts advise that if you notice any changes or new spots on your skin, you should get checked as soon as possible.

In addition to recognizing moles, there are several other warning signs of melanoma, including: A sore that does not heal; Redness or swelling of the skin outside the border of the mole. Changes in sensation, such as itching or pain. Changes in the surface of a mole, such as bleeding, or the appearance of a bump.

According to VNE