Get Your Moles Evaluated to Rule Out Melanoma
Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. So if you find a new mole or skin growth, or if you notice a change in an existing mole, you should probably get it checked out. Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains that melanoma is often thought of as cancer of the mole but it doesn’t always appear as a mole. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells, which are found throughout your body.
According to Dr. Larocca, there’s a an easy way to check if a mole needs further evaluation. It’s called the ABCDE rule:
A: Asymmetry of the mole, or when one half of the mole doesn’t match the other
B: Border irregularity or Bleeding
C: Color change either lightening or darkening of a mole
D: Diameter greater than 6mm or enlarging moles
E: Evolving size, shape or color.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. So if you find a new mole or skin growth, or if you notice a change in an existing mole, you should probably get it checked out. Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains that melanoma is often thought of as cancer of the mole but it doesn’t always appear as a mole. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells, which are found throughout your body.
According to Dr. Larocca, there’s a an easy way to check if a mole needs further evaluation. It’s called the ABCDE rule:
A: Asymmetry of the mole, or when one half of the mole doesn’t match the other
B: Border irregularity or Bleeding
C: Color change either lightening or darkening of a mole
D: Diameter greater than 6mm or enlarging moles
E: Evolving size, shape or color.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Prevention & Screening: Reduce Your Risk
Prevention & Screening: Explaining Melanoma
If you are at risk for melanoma, it’s important to keep an eye on your skin. Not all moles are cancerous, but you should know which ones could be.
Prevention & Screening: Get Checked Out
If you are at risk for melanoma, it’s important to keep an eye on your skin. Not all moles are cancerous, but you should know which ones could be.