When is a mole concerning

Everyone should check their moles, at least every 3 months. But if you have developed new moles, or a close relative has a history of melanoma, you should examine your body once a month. Moles to worry about are those that look different to other existing moles. Dysplastic moles are moles that look different to ordinary moles and may evolve to melanomas. If you have multiple dysplastic moles you are at greater risk of melanoma. Authors Topics. Kevin Dahle, MD May 19, Moles are classified generally into the following categories: Congenital moles.

Moles that are present at birth are called congenital moles. Congenital moles are categorized by their size: small, medium and large. Only large congenital moles greater than 20mm in size have a significantly increased risk of turning into a skin cancer. Acquired moles. Most moles are acquired, meaning they develop after birth. They are typically smaller than a pencil eraser and have even pigmentation and a symmetrical border. Most acquired moles will not develop into a skin cancer.

Atypical moles. Amelanotic melanomas may be pinkish, reddish, white, the color of your skin or even clear and colorless, making them difficult to recognize. Acral lentiginous melanoma , the most common form of melanoma found in people of color, often appears in hard-to-spot places, including under the fingernails or toenails, on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The takeaway: Be watchful for any new mole or freckle that arises on your skin, a sore or spot that does not heal, any existing mole that starts changing growing, swelling, itching or any spot, mole or lesion that looks unusual.

Acral lentiginous melanoma ALM is the most common melanoma found in people of color. Check yourself: No matter your risk, examine your skin head-to-toe once a month to identify potential skin cancers early. Take note of existing moles or lesions that grow or change. Learn how to check your skin here. When in doubt, check it out. Keep in mind that while important, monthly self-exams are not enough. See your dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.

Stick to the schedule your doctor recommends so that you will find any recurrence as early as possible. Reviewed by: Allan C. Halpern, MD Ashfaq A. Large mole: Most moles are round or oval spots that are smaller than the eraser on a pencil. Some children get larger moles. A large mole can measure 7 inches in diameter or more.

A giant mole can blanket part of a child's body, as shown here. Children with these types of moles are usually born with them. These moles can also appear shortly after birth. Having a large or giant mole increases the child's risk of developing melanoma and other health problems.

This risk is greater when the child is young. More than half of the melanomas that develop in giant moles are diagnosed by 10 years of age. Bottom line: A child who has a large or giant mole should be under a dermatologist's care.

Looking at moles and getting a worrisome one checked can teach your child how important it is to know your moles. How to prevent skin cancer. When is a mole a problem? References Aber CG. Alvarez Connelly E, et al. Skin Cancer. Cordoro KM, Gupta D, et al. Lovett, A, Maari C, et al. Mitkov M, Chrest M, et al.