When Does Your Mole Require a Medical Evaluation?

Spotting changes in your skin early can save your life. Most people have moles on their skin, and the majority of these spots are completely harmless. But when they’re not, early diagnosis dramatically increases cure rates.

It is normal to acquire new growths with age, but all should be evaluated yearly. 

Our providers at Integrated Dermatology of NJ, in Spotswood, NJ, are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of skin cancer. 

Here’s how they advise patients in assessing their moles.

The ABCDE rule for spot checking

helps patients identify suspicious mole characteristics. Checking your skin monthly using the ABCDE rule makes it easier to spot trouble early.

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the appearance of the other half.
• Border irregularity: The edges of the spot are ragged, blurred, notched, or poorly defined.
• Color variation: The color isn't uniform throughout. You might see shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.
• Diameter: The spot measures more than 6 millimeters across, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, though melanomas can be smaller.
• Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color, or elevation over time.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., making regular self-skin checks essential.

Beyond the ABCDF rule

Other subtle symptoms can indicate an underlying medical issue that needs attention.

• Ugly duckling sign: A mole that looks noticeably different from every other spot on your body warrants an evaluation.
• New growths in adulthood: Developing a new colored spot after age 30 isn't common and should be evaluated.
• Persistent physical symptoms: Moles that itch, hurt, sting, bleed, or ooze require immediate medical care.
• Non-healing sores: A spot that bleeds, crusts over, and fails to heal within a few weeks needs to be checked.
• Dark lines under nails: Pigmented bands beneath fingernails or toenails that haven't suffered trauma can indicate acral lentiginous melanoma.

If you observe any of these symptoms, don't wait to see if they resolve on their own. Book an evaluation with the experts at Integrated Dermatology of NJ today.

What to expect during your skin evaluation

Our experts can perform a thorough full-body skin exam. We look at existing moles from head to toe, including areas that don't receive direct sun exposure, like between your toes and on your scalp.

If we locate a suspicious lesion or irregular, we can perform a quick in-office biopsy.  If a lesion shows clear signs of atypical growth, we perform a quick in-office biopsy. We numb the area, collect a small tissue sample, and send it to a laboratory for evaluation. Most biopsy results are returned within 2 weeks, giving us the information needed to plan any additional care.

Protecting your skin starts with active monitoring and timely professional evaluations. Contact our office or request an appointment online.