Most moles are non-cancerous and do nothing more than add to our appearance. It is when things start to change, either in colour or feel, that we should be more aware of our moles. 

If a mole has been the same shape and colour for years and suddenly seems different, you may want to have it checked out by a doctor.

Speak to a doctor if you have a mole that:

• Looks uneven or changes shape
• Darkens, changes colour or has more than two colours
• Starts to itch, flake, bleed or develop a crust
• Gets larger and becomes more raised
• Becomes more painful or tender

One way to keep a check on moles is to draw a mole map. This is simply a picture of your body with a spot marked for each mole.

Be sure to check all over, use a mirror to look at spots under arms or on backs and legs.

It is a good idea to do a monthly check to see if any have changed, either in appearance or size. You may also want to take a picture of a new mole and another a month later to compare. Any changes should be a sign that you need to see your doctor.

Don’t forget to check between fingers and toes, under breasts, palms of hands, soles of feet and even behind your ears and on your head as they can develop anywhere on the body.

The checklist

The melanoma focus support group suggests we use the A, B, C, D, E, F checklist when looking at moles. If any show the following signs then you should see your doctor.

https://melanomafocus.org/ 

Asymmetry

This is when two halves of the mole are different in shape.

Border

When the edges are jagged or irregular.

Colour

Shades of colour, black and grey, brown or pink, uneven and patchy are all reasons to get things checked out.

Diameter

Anything larger than 6mm should be checked out.

Evolving

When the mole changes in size, shape and colour.

Funny

When the mole looks odd or different to what you remember it looking like. If you are not happy for any reason, you should have it checked out.

Final thought

While checklists are an excellent way to keep track of moles, there are key signs to look out for, namely:

• Any changes
• A new mole not going away within 7 weeks
• Looking odd, strange or worries you

It should not take too long to become familiar with your moles and what they look like, and keeping a mole map is an excellent way to check if new ones appear or old moles change.

 

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