You’re vigilant about protecting your health. But even the best of us forget to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. That’s why you may have some moles that you worry about.
How do you know when you should check the moles for cancer? What are the signs you should look out for?
Let’s take a look with our guide on the five signs you should get your mole checked by a board-certified dermatologist.
5 Signs You Should Get Your Mole Checked
1. The edges of your mole don’t match.
If your mole appears asymmetrical in any way, or one half of the mole doesn’t match the other half, it may be a sign you should get it looked over.
2. The color changes.
Color can be one of the most revealing signs that a mole should be checked out as quickly as possible by a dermatologist. If your mole color has changed at all – especially if it turns red or pink – get it looked at.
3. The mole borders are odd.
Benign moles usually have smooth or symmetrical borders. However, if you have a mole whose edges are blurred, jagged, or just strange, have a dermatologist take a look at it.
4. The mole is large.
If the mole is larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser, it’s a good idea to have a dermatologist perform a skin biopsy on it.
5. The mole has changed.
If the mole has changed in any way – be it size, color, borders, or texture – schedule an appointment with your dermatologist right away, as this is one of the key signs that the mole may be cancerous.
Take the Next Step
Do you have a mole that you’d like one of our board-certified dermatologists to take a look at ASAP?
Schedule a spot check or a full-body exam with one of our Dermatology Providers. We are accepting new patients, do not require a referral, and accept most major insurances. Twin Ports Dermatology can see patients in our Duluth, MN clinic, or at one of our two outreach locations – Cloquet, MN at the Raiter Clinic or Cook, MN at the Cook Hospital. You can request an appointment online or call our office directly to schedule – (218) 302-1000.
