This Is What A Cancerous Mole Looks Like

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

By now we all know that exposing yourself to the sun without protection is the worst thing you can do and that if you don't take the necessary measures you can cause reversible damage, premature wrinkles and even skin cancer. It is necessary to take all possible precautions to avoid the consequences. Now, unfortunately many are already suffering from this terrible disease and due to having little information they spend a long time without going to the doctor to obtain a diagnosis, just as it happened to the beloved Dayanara Torres. So we talked to Susan Chon, a doctor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who explains how to identify a suspicious mole so you can take the necessary steps as soon as possible.

Doctor, how do you identify a suspicious mole?

-Moles are normally symmetrical, that is, if a line is drawn in the middle, the two sides must be similar.

- [A normal one] is sharp and smooth, and not irregular, uneven or fuzzy, [as an irregular one would be].

-If it becomes multicolour, it must be examined.

-A [normal] mole should generally be less than 6 mm and not expand in size.

-If something in the mole changes and becomes symptomatic - itchy, hurts, bleeds, becomes scaly, etc., it is very important to have an examination.

What are the rare body parts where this type of moles can appear and what to do if you find one?

Moles can really show up anywhere, but the areas that are often under-screened are the scalp, hands, feet, genital area, and under the nails. If a new mole appears, it is important to go to the dermatologist to have it checked.

When and how often should skin checks be performed?

The frequency with which one should undergo medical skin check-ups really depends on the risk factors and the family and personal history of skin cancer or melanoma. For example, a person with a personal history of skin cancer would need an annual skin exam and a person with a history of melanoma should be examined much more frequently, initially after diagnosis and treatment, approximately every three to four months. Over time these checkups spread.

Have you had a skin checkup? If not, don't wait any longer. That visit to the doctor can save your life.