Monitoring the size, shape and color of moles is one way to track the progression or existence of skin cancer. While most moles are harmless clusters of pigmented skin cells, the small dark spots do carry the risk of turning into malignant tumors. Moles can appear anywhere on the body and can develop over time or be present at birth.
Types
Most people have moles, ranging form a few dark spots to hundreds spreading over the body. Moles fall into three main categories. Acquired moles are those that appear after birth. Acquired moles usually are not representative of health concerns, although people with more than 100 acquired moles are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer. Congenital moles are present at birth. Large congenital moles may indicate a risk for cancer. Moles that are larger than a pencil eraser and often are irregularly shaped and uneven in color are called atypical moles; these indicate a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Significance
When examining your moles, keep an eye out for five elements. A simple system for self-examination follows the first five letters of the alphabet. Warning signs which may indicate melanoma include: A) asymmetrical shapes; B) borders that are irregular; C) color that varies within the mole; D) diameter larger than a pencil eraser; and E) how it is evolving--any changes in the mole's appearance should trigger a trip to a physician.
Prevention/Solution
As with most malignancies, when skin cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery increase greatly. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, mole changes that are discovered during self-examinations are most likely to be in the early stages of cancer and most successfully treated. People with a family history of skin cancer should take extra precautions to watch existing and new moles for changes.
Effects
A doctor determines the health of a mole by taking a small sample of the skin and sending it to a lab for analysis. According to MayoClinic.com, when a skin sample is found to have cancer cells present, the entire mole and parts of the surrounding skin are removed. Moles that have been cut out or shaved off typically can be stabilized and do not return.
Features
Benign moles present no health hazards. While a small dark mole strategically located near the mouth often is described as a "beauty mark," other facial moles are unappealing and may affect a person's self-image. Moles can be removed for cosmetic reasons through a number of procedures ranging from laser surgery to freezing or cauterization.
