Checking Your Moles

Most people have moles somewhere on the body. Fortunately most of these moles present no danger to us however it is better to be safe than sorry and if you’re unsure about any of the moles then don’t waste any time in seeing a specialist.

Moles are a cluster of pigmented cells and most people tend to get more of them as they age. You should always monitor the moles to see if there have been any changes or any irregularities that have begun to occur.

Irregular changes in the shape or the color of them could indicate that it is skin cancer. By checking your entire body on a regular basis you will notice any changes and the sooner you do spot any changes the easier it will be to eliminate any problems.

If the mole has changed color, size, or shape then it is time to see your doctor or specialist so they can determine why this is happening. If the border of the mole becomes asymmetrical then this is a sign that there is some unwanted activity that needs to be investigated further.

Any moles that become itchy or bleed, or where the surface has become crusty, need to be checked immediately as skin cancer can have similar features. A healthy mole would generally be flat or slightly raised, and will be even in color and texture.

You can get your moles surgically removed for cosmetic reasons but be aware that people with certain skin types scar more easily than others and the scar could look worse than the mole.

There has been a significant increase in the incidence of melanoma in recent years due to the depletion of the ozone layer and as malignant melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer it is a wise investment to get any moles or spots checked on a regular basis.