Know the ABCDEs of Moles

If you have a mole on your face, you may see it as a beauty mark or a skin imperfection. You probably rarely think about the moles on the rest of your body; they’re simply part of you.  

Moles are just a mass of skin cells that have clustered together. Almost everyone has moles, and most adults have about 10-40 of them. 

Moles last about 50 years. Some may gradually fade as you grow older. That’s normal. Most moles are benign growths, but some can turn cancerous and become melanoma, the life-threatening form of skin cancer. 

Our board-certified dermatologists with Seacoast Dermatology examine your moles when you come in for your annual skin checkup to ensure none of them are problematic. 

But your skin cells are constantly changing. If you see a change in a mole, contact our office for an appointment or call for a telederm appointment so we can examine your mole. 

How to identify moles

Do you know the ABCDEs of moles? It’s an easy way to identify a mole that could be or might become cancerous. Look for these signs that start with the first five letters of the alphabet: 

A is for asymmetry

Most moles are shaped like a circle. When one half of your mole doesn’t look like the other half, get it checked. 

B is for border 

Look at the edge of your mole. It should be smooth. If a mole has a jagged edge, call our office. 

C is for color 

Your mole should be one color. If you have different colors in one mole, it’s an abnormal mole. 

D is for diameter

Moles should be no bigger than the eraser on the head of a No. 2 pencil — about a quarter of an inch. Larger moles increase the risk of becoming cancerous. 

E is evolving 

Moles shouldn’t change in appearance over a few weeks or months. If a mole changes its shape, size, color, or height, please call our office for an appointment. Likewise, if your mole starts to itch, bleed, or feel tender, you should be seen without delay. 

Take steps to prevent melanoma 

Spending too much time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Limit the time you spend in the sun, and avoid being in the sun in the middle of the day if you can. 

Use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), wear SPF clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with full UVA and UVB protection.   

Using a mirror, examine your body regularly. Don’t forget to look at the soles of your feet and between your toes. The reggae singer Bob Marley died from a melanoma on a toe. 

Call us Seacoast Dermatology at one of our convenient locations or make an appointment online if you have a suspicious mole or another skin concern. Our offices are in Portsmouth, Exeter, and Dover, New Hampshire.