When it comes to skin cancer, early detection saves lives — and one of the most important things you can do is keep a close eye on your moles.
While most moles are harmless, some can develop into melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Learning how to spot the warning signs can make all the difference.
At our dermatology office, we’re committed to helping you protect your skin health with expert screenings, education, and care. Here’s what you need to know.
The 7 Warning Signs of Cancerous Moles
Use the easy-to-remember ABCDE rule — plus two extra red flags — to check your skin regularly:
1. Asymmetry
If you draw an imaginary line through the mole, do the two halves match? Cancerous moles are often uneven or asymmetrical.
2. Border
Look at the edges of the mole. Melanoma often has irregular, blurred, scalloped, or jagged borders — unlike the smooth, even edges of a benign mole.
3. Color
Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown. Cancerous moles may have multiple colors, including shades of tan, brown, black, red, white, or even blue.
4. Diameter
Keep an eye on the size. Melanomas are typically larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), but they can be smaller when first detected.
5. Evolving
Is the mole changing over time? Any change — whether in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching — is a red flag.
6. New Appearance
A new mole that appears after age 30 should always be checked by a dermatologist, even if it looks normal.
7. Itching, Bleeding, or Crusting
Moles that itch, bleed, ooze, or develop a scab without injury may be warning signs of skin cancer and require immediate evaluation.
Why Regular Skin Checks Matter
Checking your own skin once a month and scheduling professional full-body skin exams at least once a year (or more frequently if you’re high risk) can help catch skin cancers early — when they’re highly treatable.
Early-stage melanoma has a 99% 5-year survival rate. Don’t wait — trust your instincts if you notice anything suspicious.
Protect Yourself This Summer and Beyond
Summer is a high-risk season for sun exposure and new skin damage. Now is the perfect time to schedule your annual skin check with our team.
At your visit, we’ll:
- Thoroughly examine your skin from head to toe
- Use dermatoscopy (a magnified skin exam) to evaluate moles more closely
- Biopsy any suspicious areas
- Provide guidance for sun protection and mole monitoring
- Your skin health is too important to leave to chance.
Schedule Your Skin Exam Today
Trust your skin to experts who care.
Call us today to schedule your full-body skin check — and protect yourself against skin cancer with confidence.
✨ Your skin deserves the best care. Let’s keep it healthy for life.
