When to Worry About a Mole

Mole, beauty mark, or freckle – whatever you might call these dark spots on your skin, it’s often hard to tell if they are simple irregularities or potentially cancerous spots. According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are multiple forms of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. What these all have in common is that, if caught early, they are highly treatable. But how do you know the difference between an innocuous mark or one that could harm you? Dr. Derick spoke with the writers at sciencealert.com to explain how figuring out the difference is as simple as learning your A,B,C,D,E’s:

• A = Asymmetry: If one side of your mole looks different from the other, that could be a sign of skin cancer. It doesn’t necessarily have to be round, just symmetrical.
• B = Borders: Examine the borders of your moles. Are they clearly formed or blurred? Not sure? Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to be on the safe side.
• C = Color: Moles that are multicolored or especially dark could be concerning. If the color blends in with all of your other moles or freckles, then the color alone isn’t reason for alarm.
• D = Diameter: Cancerous moles can be any size, but a good measuring stick is the eraser of a pencil. If your mole is larger than the eraser, then consider contacting a dermatologist.
• E = Evolution: Has your mole evolved, or changed, over time? If it was smaller, lighter, or symmetrical six months ago but now looks completely different, then you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Applying the A,B,C,D,E’s is only effective if you perform monthly skin checks, giving yourself a baseline for comparison. Have a loved one help you out by looking at your back, behind your ears, the backs of your knees, or other areas that may be difficult for you to see. When you go in for a haircut, ask your stylist to check your scalp for any irregularities. The more familiar you become with your skin, then the easier it will be for you to identify a potential problem. If you apply the A,B,C,D,E’s and find that you are concerned, don’t wait; contact a board-certified dermatologist who can determine your next steps and keep you healthy for years to come.

If you’re in the greater Chicago area and would like one of our first-rate doctors to check your skin for irregularities, call Derick Dermatology today. Whatever your dermatological needs, patient-focused professionals at our locations in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Crystal Lake, and Elgin are ready to help you take care of your skin.