Are Moles Cancerous?
Moles are quite common. Almost everyone has at least one mole on their body. But, one concern that many people have is whether moles are cancerous. Today, we will explain what moles are and discuss whether moles are cancerous.
What are moles?
Melanocytes are cells within the skin that give us our color. Melanocytes typically spread out between other skin cells, and they function to transfer pigment to the surrounding cells to help protect them from ultraviolet damage.
Sometimes melanocytes grow as a cluster rather than spreading out, which results in a mole. It is still unclear why our bodies form moles, but the possibility suggests genetics and sun exposure could play a role.
Are moles cancerous?
The good news is that moles are not cancerous and are not dangerous to an individual. A mole is something that simply occurs when melanocytes group together. However, if a person’s DNA becomes damaged, it can cause a mole to turn cancerous. When these cells divide, they will form a disorganized group, which will look like a new or changing mole.
Understanding types of skin cancer
While melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, two other skin cancers are more common. These other cancers include Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Let’s take a further look.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually develops on areas of the skin, often exposed to the sun, such as the face. Basal cell carcinoma may look like a brown or glossy black bump on brown and black skin and has a roller border.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs when there is DNA damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation or another damaging agent that triggers abnormal changes in the squamous cells.
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as red, scaly patches, open sores, wart-like, rough, or thickened. It can also look like a raised growth with a central depression. It’s important to note that squamous cell carcinoma may also crust over, itch, or bleed.
FOLLOW THE ALPHABET RULE
Determining whether a mole is cancerous can be confusing for some people. But the best option is to monitor your moles for any alarming changes. According to the American Cancer Society, you should follow The Alphabet Rule, also known as the ABCDE rule, to evaluate your moles.
A: ASYMMETRY
Benign moles are generally uniform. If you have a mole with sides that don’t match each other, this is considered an asymmetric mole and could be a sign of skin cancer.
B: Border
It’s essential to pay attention to the borders of your moles. Benign moles typically have smooth edges. But, potentially cancerous moles tend to look notched or irregularly shaped.
C: Color
Another thing you want to pay close attention to is the color of your moles. It’s important to note that it is normal for benign moles to develop in various colors. But, one mole should not have two different colors. If you notice that one of your moles varies in color, this needs further medical evaluation. Varying colors in one mole could be a sign of cancer.
D: Diameter
The size of your mole does matter. When evaluating your moles, pay attention to the different sizes and understand what is considered normal and what may be a sign of alarm. With that said, moles with a large diameter may signify skin cancer.
Most cancerous moles resemble the size of an eraser or a pencil. However, cancerous moles can be smaller, so it’s essential to get evaluated if you’re uncertain.
E: Evolving
Evolving changes in moles are a sign that they could be cancerous, so it’s crucial to regularly get your moles checked for changes in size, color, and shape. Using the Alphabet Rule, schedule an in-office visit to get checked by a professional to ensure that you do not have any suspicious moles.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening in Houston Today!
Everyone has melanocytes, but when melanocytes cluster together, they turn into moles. Moles are not cancerous but can turn cancerous if there is damage to a person’s DNA. For this reason, it’s imperative to check moles for any changes or unusual patterns.
The Alphabet Rule is one way to evaluate your moles, but you should also schedule a visit to a physician to get your moles thoroughly checked. Are you ready to be proactive about your health? Schedule a skin cancer screening in Houston today!