A mole or a spot even though looks very minute but over time may turn malignant, causing a huge threat to life and health. In case of skin cancer, the fast response at the right moment is crucial. But mostly, people are unaware of what signs to look for or what primary treatments to follow if something appears amiss. So, here we have assembled some facts to assist you in detecting even the slightest signs or symptoms of skin cancer as the best way to ward off skin cancer is to maintain a strict vigil on the growth of the moles.
Signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer:
Any mole, sore, bump, imperfection, mark, or unusual change in the appearance or sensation of an area of skin may be a sign of melanoma or other skin cancer or a warning that it may occur soon in the upcoming future. So, it is advised to have mole check in Melbourne from time to time at regular intervals.
Normal moles: How do they differ from suspicious moles?
Usually, a normal mole is a brown, cinnamon, or black coloured mole on the skin. It can be flat or prominent, round or oval. Generally, polka dots are less than 6 millimetres (about 1/4 inch) wide, which is approximately the width of a pencil gum. Some moles may be present at birth, but most appear during childhood or youth. On the appearance of a sudden new mole of big size, it is best to go for a mole check in Melbourne.
Once a mole has originated, it will usually retain the same size, shape and colour for many years. Eventually, some moles can disappear.
Most people have moles, and almost all are harmless. However, it is important to recognize changes in a mole (such as its size, shape or colour), which may suggest that melanoma is developing.
Possible signs and symptoms of melanoma:
The most important signal for melanoma is a new mole on the skin or an existing one that has changed in its size, shape or colour. Another important sign is a mole that looks different from the others on your skin and is irregular in shape. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor for a mole check.
The easy way to remember all these pointers is to follow the ABCDE rule to identify the usual signs of melanoma. Stay alert and notify your doctor if you notice moles that have any of the following characteristics:
Asymmetry:
If you try to draw an imaginary line through the centre of the mole, then one half of the mole or birthmark does not correspond to the other half.
Boundary:
Boundary or the edges of malignant moles are irregular, uneven, jagged or poorly defined.
Colour:
The colour of the mole is not uniform and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with pink, red, blue or white spots.
Diameter:
The carcinogenic mole is more than 6 millimetres wide (about ¼ inch or about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
Evolution:
Over time, the size, shape or colour of the mole changes.
However, some melanomas do not follow the rules described above. It is important to inform your doctor about any changes in your skin, or growths that you see as something different from the rest of your moles or even better try getting a mole check in Melbourne.
Other warning signs are:
- A sore that does not heal.
- Propagation of the pigment from the edge of a stain to the surrounding skin.
- Redness or a new inflammation beyond the edge.
- Change in sensation (itching, sensitivity or pain).
- Change in the surface of a mole (scaling, exudation, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or nodule).
Be sure to show your doctor any areas that concern you. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish the difference between melanoma and an ordinary mole. At Nitai we have an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor who is well-trained in detection potential skin cancers. Therefore, it is important to have a mole check on a yearly basis, just to be on safer side.
If you have any further query, please contact us at admin@nitai.com.au, we will get right back to you.
