Mole Removal: What Signs Should You Look For?

Health & Medical Blog

Some people barely notice their moles and pay them no attention as long as they cause no health problems. Other people wear their moles proudly as beauty marks. Still others find their moles to be unsightly and want to have them all removed immediately. Regardless of how you feel about the aesthetics of your moles, there are some times when moles need to be addressed and removed right away. The following tips will help you identify which moles can be left alone for further observation and which moles need expeditious medical attention.

Changes in Moles

It is important to keep an eye on your skin and make notes on all of your moles. It can also be helpful to take pictures. If you see a mole that is changing in size, shape, color or other attributes, you should have this mole checked by a doctor right away. Any changes can signify a greater risk for cancer.

Irregular Shapes

If the border of a mole is irregularly-shaped, this can be a warning sign that all is not well with the mole. Ragged and blurred edges are warning signs of skin cancer. A mole that is asymmetrical, where one half of the mole is not the same shape as the other half, can also signify problems. 

Discoloration of Moles

Generally, moles should be all one color. If the mole has different colors within the mole, this can signify a problem. This includes varying shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue within the mole itself or on the outer edges of the mole. Any mole with color variations should be checked out by a physician.

One thing you should never rely on for diagnosis of a mole is an app on your phone; these apps have been found to be inaccurate at least one-third of the time. Your phone cannot replace the advice of a licensed medical professional, and recent studies have shown that skin cancer detection apps for phones are highly inaccurate. Your health is worth a visit to the doctor, so leave the medical diagnosis to a professional and not your phone.

Skin cancer can be easily overlooked; however, it can be just as deadly as other forms of cancer. It is best to err on the side of caution, and if you feel suspicious of a mole, see your doctor right away. If you feel that your doctor is not taking you seriously, feel free to seek a second opinion. If you still have questions, you can also click for more info here about mole removal services in your area. 

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27 May 2016