Moles and Melanomas
A moles is a common benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions that is usually pigmented. It may be referred to as a naevus. You may be born with them or you can acquire them after birth from childhood to adulthood. They range in colour from non-pigmented to heavily pigmented (dark) and also range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres
Fair skinned people tend to have more moles and with this complexion, these people are more prone to skin cancers and melanomas. It is very important to have regular skin checks for skin cancers.
At first, a melanoma can look just like a normal mole, but in time it enlarges and becomes more irregular. People with a greater number of moles are at a higher risk for melanomas, especially if they have over a hundred moles. Pregnancy or sun exposure can also change the shape and colour of moles however if this occurs, it is very important to get the moles checked by a dermatologist to ensure it is not a melanoma.
Some hallmarks of a melanoma are:
The dermatologist has special techniques to examine a mole for possible cancerous change, and this is called dermatoscopy. A digital photograph and measurements taken to monitor a mole over time for possible change.
If there is a suspicion that a mole may be a melanoma, or to rule out this possibility, then the mole can be removed surgically.
A moles is a common benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions that is usually pigmented. It may be referred to as a naevus. You may be born with them or you can acquire them after birth from childhood to adulthood. They range in colour from non-pigmented to heavily pigmented (dark) and also range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres
Fair skinned people tend to have more moles and with this complexion, these people are more prone to skin cancers and melanomas. It is very important to have regular skin checks for skin cancers.
At first, a melanoma can look just like a normal mole, but in time it enlarges and becomes more irregular. People with a greater number of moles are at a higher risk for melanomas, especially if they have over a hundred moles. Pregnancy or sun exposure can also change the shape and colour of moles however if this occurs, it is very important to get the moles checked by a dermatologist to ensure it is not a melanoma.
Some hallmarks of a melanoma are:
- the moles changes in size, shape, structure or colour
- the border becomes irregular, is asymmetrical or greater than 6mm
- it looks different to your other moles
- it is bleeding, crusty or itchy
- you develop a new mole after the age of 40 years
The dermatologist has special techniques to examine a mole for possible cancerous change, and this is called dermatoscopy. A digital photograph and measurements taken to monitor a mole over time for possible change.
If there is a suspicion that a mole may be a melanoma, or to rule out this possibility, then the mole can be removed surgically.
