skin disorders
Moles
Diagnosis of Moles
Examination of the skin ABCDEs of melanoma Sometimes biopsy Moles usually are easily recognized by their typical appearance. They are symmetric and round or oval and have regular borders. They do not itch or hurt, and they are not a form of cancer. However, moles sometimes develop into or resemble Melanoma . In fact, many melanomas begin in moles, so a mole that looks suspect should be removed and examined under a microscope ( The following changes in a mole may be warning signs of melanoma (known as the ABCDEs of melanoma): A: Asymmetry—asymmetric appearance (that is, one half does not look the same as the other half) B: Borders—irregular borders (that is, borders are blurred or jagged, not well-defined and smooth) C: Color—color changes within the mole, unusual colors, or a color significantly different or darker than the person's other moles D: Diameter—more than ¼ inch (about 6 millimeters) wide, about the size of most pencil erasers E: Evolution—a new mole in a person over age 30 or a changing mole If a mole becomes painful, itchy, bleeds, develops broken skin, or has any warning signs of melanoma, doctors may do a biopsy. If a mole proves to be cancerous, additional surgery may be needed to remove the skin surrounding it. 