Each person has about 10-40 moles on his body. Moles are generally not dangerous, but moles that have color, size, or abnormal shape can be an early sign of skin cancer.
The skin has dye-producing cells (pigments) called melanocyte cells. When these melanocyte cells grow close together, a mole forms. Melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer and is now quite common, occurs when melanocyte cells grow out of control. In its early stages, melanoma can be difficult to distinguish from normal moles.
Difference Between Normal Moles and Melanoma
Although sometimes it can look similar, normal moles and melanoma skin cancer have some differences. This difference can be seen from:
1. Size or diameter
Normal moles are usually less than 5 millimeters in size. If there is a mole larger than 6 millimeters, then the mole needs to be aware of.
2. Form
Normal moles are usually oval or round in shape. If you pay attention, the mole looks symmetrical. In skin cancer, moles are usually asymmetrical or irregular in shape.
3. Boundaries and surfaces
Normal moles usually have clear margins and a smooth surface. Whereas in skin cancer, moles are usually unclear, not neat, or fade into the surrounding skin. The surface is sometimes slightly scaly, dry, thickened, or hardened.
4. Color
Normal moles are usually brown or slightly pink. The color between moles on a person's body is usually uniform.
If someone has a different color mole, ranging from light brown, dark brown, black blue, or red, then there is a possibility that the mole is skin cancer.
5. Changes or increases in numbers
The shape of a normal mole does not usually change much and the amount does not increase as an adult. If there is a mole whose size increases or decreases, the color changes, thickens, or actually appears at the age of more than 40 years, then there is a possibility that the mole is a skin cancer.
Other changes that also need to watch out for are the appearance of itching, pain, wounds, and discharge such as pus or blood from a mole.
Having one or more moles with abnormal shapes is certainly not a melanoma. Sometimes these moles can be atypical moles that have an unusual appearance, but not cancer.
If you find any moles that look abnormal, you should consult a dermatologist to get further tests. In addition to consultation and physical examination, the doctor will conduct a biopsy to help confirm the diagnosis of skin cancer.
If you or your family has a history of skin cancer, or are often exposed to sunlight, it is recommended to do monthly checks on the skin all over the body. Look for moles that are of unusual shape and size, from the scalp to the soles of your feet. If necessary, ask your family to help check out parts of your body that are hard to see, such as the scalp.
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