Help, I’ve Found a Worrisome Mole – Do I Have Melanoma?

Okay, you’ve found a mole. You immediately wonder, “Do I have melanoma?”

While it may seem like a scary thing, and it’s definitely not ideal, having skin cancer does not have to be something to lose sleep over.

Did you know that one in five people in America will have skin cancer at some point in their lifetime? It is the most common form of cancer. 

Signs Your Mole May Be Melanoma

It is typically easy to tell whether your mole is melanoma or not. Non-cancerous moles are often round, smooth, and less than 6 mm in diameter.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most common for women to see it on their legs and men to see it on their back. 

The Checklist to Help Decide “Do I Have Melanoma?’

To help you determine whether your mole is likely melanoma, ask yourself the following: 

• Is your mole more than 6mm in diameter? 
• Is your mole the same size and shape all the way around?
• Is your mole one color? Melanoma has a mix of more than one color.
• Is your mole growing in diameter and / or becoming more raised?

Melanoma is often larger than pea sized, are typically asymmetrical and aren’t round or oval. This type of skin cancer usually is more than one color and will get larger in size.

If you begin to notice that your mole is changing shape and / or color, bleeding, getting bigger, or has become itchy, you should see your doctor right away.

Regardless of symptoms, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist after any skin changes.

Don’t Be Concerned About a Mole – Have Them Examined By Our Skin Care Specialists

If you’ve gone through the list, and you’re still concerned you may have melanoma, get seen as soon as possible. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.

Call us today at 301-396-3401 to schedule a consultation with one of our melanoma specialists, so you can begin living worry free again!