Noticing a mole that looks different from the others can be concerning. You may wonder, “Is this normal, or should I have it checked?”
While you can’t tell for certain whether a mole is cancerous just by looking at it, knowing what changes to watch for can help you know when to see a dermatologist.
A concerning mole may be asymmetrical, have an uneven border, contain several colors, grow or change over time. It may also itch, bleed or crust. These signs do not mean a mole is cancerous, but they are reasons to have a dermatologist take a closer look.
Regular skin self-checks can help you notice new or changing spots, but they are not a substitute for a professional evaluation. If a mole concerns you, a dermatologist can examine it and determine whether it needs further evaluation.
Why Mole Checks Matter
Most moles are harmless, and moles can naturally vary in size, shape and color. But a new spot or a mole that changes over time can sometimes be a warning sign of skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can be treated successfully when found early. The National Cancer Institute provides more information about melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
Checking your skin regularly can help you become familiar with your moles and notice changes. Look over your entire body, including areas that are easy to miss, such as your scalp, back, palms, soles and between your toes.
If you notice something new or different, make note of the change and talk with a dermatologist rather than trying to diagnose it yourself.
The ABCDE Rule for Spotting Melanoma
The ABCDE rule can help you recognize warning signs of melanoma. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the five signs are asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving.
The ABCDE rule is a guide, not a diagnosis. A mole does not need to have every warning sign to deserve professional attention, and other skin cancers may look different.
Asymmetry
A is for asymmetry. One half of a concerning spot may look different from the other half.
You can imagine drawing a line through the middle of the mole. If the two sides look noticeably different, the mole may need to be checked.
Border
B is for border. A concerning mole may have an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
Instead of having a clear, even edge, the border may look jagged or seem to fade into the surrounding skin.
Color
C is for color. A mole with several colors may be more concerning than one with an even appearance.
Look for different shades of brown, tan or black, as well as areas of red, white or blue. A change in a mole’s color can also be a reason to have it evaluated.
Diameter
D is for diameter. Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed. However, melanoma can be smaller than 6 millimeters, so size alone does not determine whether a mole is concerning.
If a small mole is changing or looks different from your other spots, it should still be evaluated.
Evolving
E is for evolving. A mole or other spot that changes in size, shape or color may need professional attention.
Changes may be subtle. You may notice that a mole is growing, becoming darker or developing a different shape.
Other Warning Signs Beyond ABCDE
Not every concerning skin change fits neatly into the ABCDE rule. The AAD recommends paying attention to moles or other spots that:
- Itches or becomes painful
- Bleeds without an obvious cause
- Develops a crust or sore
- Changes in texture or appearance
- Continues to grow or change
- Looks noticeably different from your other spots
- Becomes a sore that does not heal or heals and returns
Dermatologists may also look for the “ugly duckling” sign.
This means one mole looks noticeably different from the other moles on your skin. A spot that stands out from the rest may deserve a closer look, even if it does not clearly match every part of the ABCDE rule.
It is also important to remember that not all skin cancers look like moles. Basal cell carcinoma, for example, may appear as a shiny bump, rough patch, sore that does not heal or growth that bleeds.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Some factors can increase your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. These include:
- A history of significant sun exposure or blistering sunburns
- Using tanning beds or other artificial tanning devices
- Having many moles or atypical moles
- A personal history of melanoma or other skin cancer
- A family history of melanoma or unusual moles
- Certain skin, hair and eye characteristics
- Having a weakened immune system
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop skin cancer. People without known risk factors can still develop it. If you have risk factors or notice a new or changing spot, regular skin checks may be especially important.
What Happens During a Professional Mole Check
A professional skin evaluation gives a dermatologist a closer look at spots that may be difficult to assess at home.
During an examination, your dermatologist will look over your skin for unusual moles, growths or other changes. They may use a dermatoscope, a handheld tool that provides magnification and lighting to help them see details that are not easily visible to the naked eye.
Goodskin Dermatology providers offer full-body skin evaluations that can help identify new or changing spots. Your dermatologist may also compare a mole with other spots on your skin or with previous images when available.
If a mole or growth looks concerning, your dermatologist may recommend a skin biopsy. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined in a laboratory. A biopsy is used to determine whether abnormal or cancerous cells are present.
A professional examination can provide information that an at-home skin check cannot. If you are interested in learning more before your visit, Goodskin also provides information about skin cancer basics.
When to See a Dermatologist
You do not need to wait until a mole becomes painful or dramatically different before having it checked. Consider seeing a dermatologist if you notice a spot that is:
- New or changing
- Asymmetrical
- Uneven around the border
- Made up of several colors
- Growing or changing in appearance
- Itching, bleeding or crusting
- Noticeably different from your other moles
Melanoma can also be painless in some people. They may only notice a visual change.
If you notice a new or changing mole, particularly one that concerns you, a dermatologist can examine it and determine whether it needs further evaluation.
You can also learn more about melanoma, including how it can appear and how it is diagnosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cancerous mole look like?
A cancerous mole may be asymmetrical, have an irregular border, contain several colors, grow or change over time, or look noticeably different from your other moles. It may also itch, bleed or crust.
These signs do not confirm that a mole is cancerous. A dermatologist can examine the spot and determine whether it needs further evaluation.
Can a cancerous mole be painless?
Yes. Melanoma can develop without pain or other discomfort. In some cases, a change in the appearance of a mole or other spot may be the only noticeable sign.
That is why it is important to pay attention to changes in size, shape, color or appearance rather than waiting for a spot to become painful.
How often should I get a mole check?
There is no single skin-check schedule that is right for everyone. Your dermatologist can recommend how often you should have a professional skin evaluation based on your personal and family history, number of moles and other risk factors.
Between professional visits, regular skin self-checks can help you notice new or changing spots. If you see something concerning, do not wait for your next routine visit to bring it up.
Can a mole become cancerous over time?
Some melanomas can develop in an existing mole, which is why changes in a mole’s size, shape, color or appearance are important to watch for. However, melanoma can also develop as a new spot on skin that previously looked normal.
If a mole that has been stable starts to change, have it evaluated rather than trying to determine at home whether the change is harmless.
Schedule a Skin Evaluation at Goodskin
Goodskin Dermatology has Oregon locations in Clackamas, Troutdale, Beaverton and Hillsboro.
A changing mole may be harmless, but having it checked can give you a clearer answer and help you know what to do next. Schedule a skin evaluation today.
