How to identify a suspicious mole

In this article, we explain how to identify a suspicious mole and why checking the moles on your body can be important for the early detection and treatment of skin cancer, particularly melanoma.

It may seem surprising, but it can be useful to be familiar with the number and appearance of the moles on your body. Dermatologists are particularly aware of this, but patients can also benefit from knowing their usual pattern of moles so that they are more likely to notice if a new one appears or if an existing mole changes in size or appearance.

Checking areas such as the arms, hands, face and upper chest is relatively easy. However, examining areas such as the neck and back can be more difficult. In these cases, it may be helpful to ask a family member for assistance or use two mirrors to examine areas that are difficult to see.

Preventive measures are important throughout the year. When it comes to checking moles, spring can be a convenient time to carry out a thorough skin self-examination.

During the summer, increased sun exposure and tanning can make changes in pigmentation more difficult to assess. Spring is also traditionally associated with Euromelanoma, a European skin cancer prevention initiative involving dermatologists in numerous countries and aimed at raising awareness of melanoma and encouraging early diagnosis.

As we explained on Saber Vivir

How to identify a suspicious mole: signs to look out for

A dermatologist is the healthcare professional who can determine whether a mole is benign or requires further investigation. However, there are certain signs that patients can look out for when checking their own skin and that should prompt a dermatological assessment.

The ugly duckling sign

The ugly duckling sign is based on identifying a mole that looks different from the others on the same person. The difference may relate to its size, colour, growth or irregular shape. A lesion that clearly stands out from the individual’s usual pattern of moles should be assessed by a dermatologist, particularly if it is new or changing.

The ABCDE rule

The ABCDE rule is one of the best-known methods for identifying changes that may warrant dermatological assessment.

A – Asymmetry. A mole may require assessment if one half looks markedly different from the other.

B – Border. Irregular, poorly defined or uneven borders can be a warning sign and should be evaluated in the appropriate clinical context.

C – Colour. Changes in colour or the presence of several colours within the same lesion may warrant assessment. Brown, black, reddish, pinkish, bluish or whitish areas may all be relevant depending on the characteristics of the lesion.

D – Diameter. Diameter alone does not determine whether a mole is malignant. However, lesions measuring more than approximately 6 mm deserve particular attention, especially if they are changing. It is also important to remember that melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.

E – Evolution. Evolution is one of the most important warning signs. Changes in the size, shape, colour, surface or texture of a mole over a relatively short period should be assessed. Other symptoms such as bleeding, persistent itching, oozing or pain may also be reasons to seek medical advice.

In any case, if you are concerned about a lesion, it is advisable to see a dermatologist specialising in mole examination and skin cancer prevention. In addition to clinical examination, dermatologists have specific diagnostic tools that can help evaluate pigmented lesions more accurately. Regular dermatological reviews may also be appropriate for people with particular risk factors, as some suspicious lesions may not be easy to identify through self-examination alone.

Reasons to protect your skin from the sun beyond melanoma

In addition to genetic factors, sun exposure can contribute to the development of new pigmented lesions and can make monitoring the skin more complex.

Solar radiation is also associated with other forms of skin damage. Two common consequences are photoageing and sun-induced pigmentation.

Photoageing can lead to premature wrinkles, changes in skin texture and loss of firmness. For more information, you can consult a specialist in preventive facial rejuvenation.

Sun spots and other pigmentation changes can also develop after cumulative sun exposure and may sometimes be difficult to treat. Dermatological assessment is important before treating a pigmented lesion to establish the correct diagnosis and determine the most appropriate approach. You can find more information from our specialists in the treatment of facial pigmentation.

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