Moles are small areas of skin with high concentration of pigment melanin, this gives them their dark colour. Moles are normally round or oval in shape, tan to black and uniform in colour, slightly raised or flat and 6 mm or less in diameter. While it is normal to have moles on the skin, you should be aware that moles can transfer into skin cancer at any time, as you get older.So go to the Sundoctors Australia for a proper mole check Sydney.
How Do Moles Transform Into Skin Cancer?
Skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun, which can stimulate malignant changes in skin cells. These cancers may arise even without UV exposure. There are three types of UV induced skin cancer , corresponding to three types of skin cells :
? Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
? Melanoma
Melanoma is the least common, the most aggressive, and spreads to other parts of the body and becomes life-threatening within weeks to months.
The more pale your skin, the most susceptible it is to get damaged from UV radiation and there is greater risk. Dark skinned people should be vigilant as dark skin changes in moles are more difficult to detect.
How Do I Check My Moles?
Your responsibility is to alert your doctor to any suspicious spots and you should check your skin for the problems on a regular basis.
? With your clothes off, examine in front of a full-length mirror your whole body and make a note of any freckles, moles or areas of pigmentation.
? You may need to use a handheld mirror or your partner can help you out for those hard to see areas.
? Always remember that skin cancers can arise anywhere, even in areas which are not exposed to the sun.
? Look at the soles of your feet, between your fingers and toes, in your groin, underarms and your scalp.
? If you wish to be thorough , take photos as reference. Make it a habit for self examination regularly, maybe on the 1st of every month.
? Melanomas do not tend to be painful, so the only way for their detection is by looking.
How To Know Whether To Worry About A Mole?
You should be concerned about a mole that is changing or irregular in appearance. Normal moles are similar in colour and shape, so compare your moles to each other and if one looks different from the rest, it may be transforming into cancer. Most moles appear before 25 years of age so it is worth investigating any newly discovered moles.
The Cancer Council of Australia has given a way to systematically check your moles. It is the use of acronym ABCD :
? Asymmetric – is the mole asymmetric along an axis?
? Border – is the edge of the mole blurry, notched, uneven or spreading?
? Colour – is the colour of the mole variable or blotchy, or changing over time?
? Diameter – is size increasing or greater than 7mm?
This list is not exhaustive. It would be worth reading E and F :
? External surface – is the more raised, firm, red, lumpy, Swollen , Scaly, ulcerated, bleeding or weeping?
? Feel – is the mole tingly,itchy or tender?
If your answer is yes to any of the above questions, better see a doctor as soon as possible. The changes you notice may be benign, but it’s not worth taking a risk. If you catch early , skin cancer can be treated successfully. Cancers , mainly melanomas, grow and spread with time so getting in early is critical, it may even mean the difference between life and death. If your moles do not meet any of the above criteria, there is no guarantee. If you have a doubt, see a doctor.
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