Why can moles be dangerous?

Why can moles be dangerous?

Malignant melanoma, which starts out as a mole, is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, killing almost 10,000 people each year. The majority of melanomas are black or brown, but they can be almost any color; skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white. Melanomas are caused mainly by intense UV exposure.

Why should moles be monitored?

Regular monitoring allows the dermatologist to identify changes in lesions that look “suspicious.” A change may prompt a skin biopsy (removing a sample of the mole for detailed examination under a microscope), which can help determine whether a lesion is non-cancerous (benign), melanoma or another type of skin cancer.

How could a mole become dangerous What are some of the signs to lookout for?

Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half. Border: The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular. Color: The mole has different colors or it has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red. Diameter: The diameter of the mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.

When to seek help for a dangerous mole?

If your mole looks or feels lumpy you should have it checked. Lumps can be small and still dangerous. It is typical for cancerous moles to ooze or bleed at certain points. This clear symptom is usually the most motivating for patients to seek specialist help.

How can you tell if a mole is dangerous?

When you touch your mole you will be able to tell whether it feels a lot more firm than before. If your mole looks or feels lumpy you should have it checked. Lumps can be small and still dangerous. It is typical for cancerous moles to ooze or bleed at certain points.

What kind of cancer can you get from moles?

Melanoma is the main complication of moles. Some people have a higher than average risk of their moles becoming cancerous and developing into melanoma. Factors that increase your risk of melanoma include: Being born with large moles. These types of moles are called congenital nevi.

Who is at risk for getting a mole on your arm?

One showed that people under 50 years old who have 20 or more moles on their arms are at increased risk of melanoma. Another showed a relationship between the number of women’s moles and breast cancer risk. Having a personal or family history of melanoma. If you’ve had melanoma before, you are at increased risk of a mole becoming cancerous.