What is a Mole?
A mole, medically known as a nevus, is a small, often dark brown spot on the skin that is formed by clusters of pigmented cells. Moles are common, and most people have between 10 to 40 moles on their body. They can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups, and are usually round or oval with a smooth surface.
Types of Moles
There are several types of moles, each with distinct characteristics:
• Common moles: These are typically brown, round, or oval, and smaller than a pencil eraser. They have a distinct edge that separates them from the surrounding skin.
• Congenital moles: Present at birth, these can vary in size and shape and are more likely to develop into melanoma than moles that appear after birth.
• Dysplastic nevi (atypical moles): Larger than average moles, these have irregular shapes and uneven colours. They are more likely to become malignant.
When to Worry About a Mole
While most moles are benign, certain changes should prompt a visit to your doctor or a dermatologist. Here are some signs to watch for:
• Asymmetry: If one half of the mole does not match the other.
• Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• Colour: The colour is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or colour.
These characteristics are remembered by the acronym ABCDE, a guide to spotting the warning signs of melanoma. If you notice any of these changes, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
Importance of Regular Mole Checks
Regular mole checks are vital for detecting early signs of skin cancer. Melanoma is much easier to treat when caught early. People at higher risk, such as those with a family history of skin cancer, fair skin, or a large number of moles, should consider more frequent checks.
Mole Check London
For those in the capital, finding a professional service for a mole check London is straightforward. Many dermatology clinics offer skin cancer screenings and specialised consultations. These professionals use tools like dermatoscopes to get a clearer view of moles at a microscopic level, helping them detect any signs of abnormality early.
How to Perform a Self-Exam
In addition to professional checks, performing regular self-exams can help you keep track of any changes to your moles. Here’s how you can do a thorough check:
1. Examine your body in a full-length mirror: Check your entire body as some moles can appear in the least expected places.
2. Use a handheld mirror: This helps check hard-to-see areas like your back and scalp.
3. Check each mole: Using the ABCDE rule, examine each mole for any changes or irregularities.
4. Document your moles: Take photos of your moles to track changes over time, which can be helpful during your doctor visits.
What Happens During a Professional Mole Check?
When you go for a mole check, the dermatologist will examine your skin using a dermatoscope, which gives them a clear, magnified view of the moles. If they find any mole that looks suspicious, they may take a biopsy, removing a small sample of tissue for analysis. If the mole is found to be malignant, further treatment will be discussed.
Prevention Tips
Preventing moles from becoming problematic begins with protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, which can lead to new moles and changes in existing ones. Here are some tips for protecting your skin:
• Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• Wear protective clothing: Hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
• Avoid peak sun hours: Try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when it’s at its strongest.
Conclusion
While most moles are harmless, being vigilant about changes in your moles is key to early detection of skin cancer. Regular self-exams and professional checks, like a mole check in London, are important steps in monitoring your skin health. Remember, the earlier you detect a problem, the easier it is to treat. Stay informed, stay observant, and take action when needed to ensure your skin remains healthy.
Disclaimer - Articles published by The Guide are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare professional for any questions you have regarding a suspected/diagnosed medical condition, before undertaking any health related programme, diet or exercise programme.