Signs of a malignant mole include size, color irregularities, asymmetry, irregular edges, and changes over time. Malignant moles may also show symptoms such as itching, scaling, or bleeding. It is best to have a doctor check any mole larger than 6mm in diameter.
There are a number of signs you can look for to distinguish a benign mole from a malignant mole, which is often how skin cancer melanoma starts. A relatively large mole can be indicative of a problem, as can one that has color irregularities. Look for moles that are asymmetrical in shape and have irregular edges or where the color of the mole appears to spread into the surrounding skin. Another sign to look for is if the mole’s characteristics change over time. Malignant moles can also show symptoms that a normal mole won’t show, such as itching, scaling, or bleeding.
It is quite common for a cancerous mole to be larger than any other mole you may have. While it’s possible for a benign mole to be quite large, it’s probably best to have a doctor check out what you have. A good basic standard is to question any mole that is larger than 6mm in diameter.
Another common quality of malignant moles is irregularity of color. This means that you will see different shades of color, often ranging from red to brown to black, within the mole. In contrast, benign moles are typically only one color.
If you have a cancerous mole, it may be asymmetrical. This means that the shape of one side of the mole will be different from the shape of the other, and if you were to draw a line down the center, these differences would be very noticeable. Also, the edges of the mole may appear rough. They may be indented or scalloped rather than smooth and may also have areas of pigment outside the main body of the mole. Instead of being distinct from the surrounding skin, the edges of the mole may not be clearly delineated and the pigment may look fuzzy or seep into it.
A malignant mole tends to change quite rapidly, so watch out for lesions with changing characteristics. This may mean it gets bigger or changes its shape or color. If you have a mole that changes in appearance or develops symptoms such as oozing or bleeding, get it examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
The last way to spot a malignant mole is to look for abnormal symptoms. Benign moles typically do not become scaly or crusty. They usually do not seep or bleed, or cause pain or itching. Any of these symptoms should be a sign to have your mole examined.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
