The Essential Guide to Mole Detection
While our AI provides a comprehensive preliminary analysis, understanding how to check your own skin is a life-saving skill. Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
Mastering the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection
Dermatologists use this method to spot suspicious moles. Use it during your monthly self-exams:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- Color: The color is not uniform and may include different shades of brown, black, pink, red, or blue.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or has new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
How to Perform a Monthly Skin Self-Exam
In a well-lit room with a full-length mirror, check your entire body, including:
- Face, neck, ears, and scalp (use a comb to part your hair).
- Front and back of your torso.
- Underarms, both sides of your arms, and hands (including between fingers and under nails).
- Legs and feet (including soles and between toes).
If you see a spot that is new, changing, or just worries you, see a dermatologist.