It is normal for adults to have at least a few moles on their skin. While moles are typically harmless, there is always a possibility that a mole could become cancerous. Chronic sun exposure can increase the risk. In general, any changes in the texture or appearance of a mole are a warning sign of possible skin cancer. At Gawey Dermatology in Oklahoma City, OK, skin cancer screenings are performed by Dr. Elizabeth Gawey.
What Are Moles?
Cells called melanocytes are responsible for pigmentation in the skin. Moles form when these cells grow in clusters instead of spreading out across the skin. The typical mole is black or brown and has a round or oval shape. Moles can be flat, raised, rough, or smooth and develop anywhere on the skin.
Most adults have several moles on their bodies, ranging between ten and forty moles total. On average, moles last for about 50 years. That means a mole someone had at a younger age could disappear on its own when that person is older.
Moles and Skin Cancer
Most moles are generally harmless and usually don’t cause any problems. However, having several moles in areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun could increase a person’s risk for developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by protecting your skin whenever you plan to be in the sun. Applying a high SPF sunscreen and wearing protective clothing help minimize sun exposure. Scheduling skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist once a year is also important.
Part of screening for skin cancer at our Oklahoma City, OK, dermatology practice is examining moles for indications of possible skin cancer. Some of the characteristics of moles that are warning signs of skin cancer include:
- Asymmetry: Both halves of a mole should match in color, shape, or size. Moles that are asymmetrical in any way could potentially be cancerous.
- Border: A mole with edges that are irregular, poorly defined, or scalloped is an indication of possible skin cancer.
- Color: If the color of a mole is not consistent throughout, that is a warning sign.
- Diameter: Moles that are larger than 6mm (about 1/4 inch) in diameter could be cancerous.
- Evolving: Any change in the size, color, shape, or texture of a mole over time is an indication of possible cancer.
Most of the time there is no need to be worried about moles, but it is still important to examine them regularly for any changes. Certain characteristics can be warning signs of skin cancer. In Oklahoma City, OK, skin cancer screenings can be scheduled with Dr. Gawey by calling Gawey Dermatology at (405) 951-8711.