Check Your Moles With the ABCDE Method

Most people have moles, those brown or black spots that appear on the skin on the skin. The cells that produce the pigment in our skin, melanocytes, make up moles. 

Moles are harmless in most cases, but not something to ignore. The brown or black spots on your skin can be a sign of melanoma, a fast-growing skin cancer.

At Associated Skin Care Associates, our skilled dermatologists do routine skin exams to check and monitor moles for changes. Finding and treating any type of skin cancer, especially melanoma, early increases your chances of a full recovery.

You can monitor your moles at home, too, using the ABCDE method. Here, we explain how.

Normal vs. concerning moles

Moles come in various shapes, sizes, and numbers. Though most are harmless, some types may increase the risk of skin cancer. Knowing the type of moles you have is important for monitoring.

Type of moles:

Common moles

The majority of moles appear after birth, can affect any area of skin, and are small with distinct edges. They’re called common moles, common nevi, or acquired moles.

Common moles usually are brown or black, but they can also be tan, pink, or skin color. They won’t change over time. Common moles don’t all look the same and usually cause no harm.

Atypical moles 

Atypical moles are skin growths that may turn into melanoma. These moles are larger than common moles and have a less uniform shape and color. Atypical moles can grow anywhere, but usually appear on the torso. 

Congenital moles

Some people are born with moles. These are called congenital moles and are a risk factor for  melanoma. If you have moles present since birth, you need to keep a close eye on them to monitor for changes.

Spitz nevus

Spitz nevi are raised, round moles that are usually pink in color. They typically appear in people during their 20s. These moles can bleed, but are relatively harmless and unlikely to turn cancerous.

ABCDE method

The ABCDE method is a tool that helps identify potentially cancerous moles. Melanoma may grow from an existing mole or form as a new mole. 

When doing your skin check, use the ABCDE method to find unusual growths. The sooner melanoma is found and treated, the better your chances for a full recovery.

Asymmetry

A is for asymmetry. This means the mole isn’t uniform in size or shape: One side doesn’t look like the other.

Border

B is for border. A mole with an uneven or scalloped border is a sign of melanoma. A healthy mole has a distinct border, while a cancerous mole’s border is irregular. 

Color

C is for color. A normal mole is the same color throughout. Melanoma may cause moles to have uneven coloring, with shades of brown, black, or tan. 

Diameter

D is for diameter. Moles that are larger than a pencil eraser are concerning and may indicate melanoma. 

Evolving

E is for evolving. This means the mole is changing over time or looks different from your other moles. 

Anyone can develop melanoma since exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is the biggest risk factor. However, people with light skin, hair, or eyes or a family history of melanoma are at greater risk.

When to see your dermatologist

If you find a mole with any of the characteristics mentioned above, it’s time to schedule an appointment with us. We can evaluate your skin and the mole of concern and do a biopsy to confirm or rule out skin cancer. 

If we find your melanoma early, removing the growth may stop the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.

The ABCDE method is a great tool to use when checking your skin for unusual growths. It’s so good, we use it too. 

If you need to see a dermatologist, call the office most convenient to you today. We provide comprehensive dermatology care at our Blaine, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Fridley, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, locations. We conduct clinical studies at our New Brighton, Minnesota, office.