How to Spot Cancerous Moles

Most people have moles on their skin and they are entirely harmless; however, abnormal moles can be a sign of skin cancer. Early diagnosis increase chances of successful treatment, so be aware of the things to watch for. Certain signs can help you tell the difference between a healthy mole and a potentially cancerous one. See a physician if you have any concerns about moles you're not sure about.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the color of your moles. Moles naturally have a wide variation in terms of colors and shapes, but there are certain features that should serve as a red flag for being potentially cancerous. Healthy moles tend to be symmetrical, small, and one color throughout the entire mole.

• 2

  Watch for mole growth. One sign of a potentially cancerous mole is a sudden growth of the mole in question. If an old mole suddenly begins to change or grow, see your doctor.

• 3

  Note the mole shape. Healthy moles tend to be round and symmetrical. A mole that is asymmetrical or an odd shape should be watched closely.

• 4

  Examine your body for raised moles. A normal mole is usually flat. If a mole is raised and is a source of irritation upon being bumped or rubbed, it could be a cause for concern.

• 5

  Look for moles that change color. Most moles are brown; a potentially cancerous mole could be several different colors. If a mole is both brown and black, watch it closely and consult your doctor to be sure that it is not cancerous.

• 6

  Study the mole edges. Examine the edges of body moles. Ragged, blurred edges can be a symptom of a cancerous mole. Healthy moles tend to have edges that are clean and rounded.

• 7

  Consider your skin type and fairness. Many moles on your body may be a sign of being more vulnerable to skin cancer. Being fair-skinned is another reason to keep an especially watchful eye on the health of body moles.

• 8

  Check your skin on a regular basis. Checking the skin periodically can help identify potentially cancerous moles early on, making treatment more likely to be successful.