Content

• Steps

A mole is a brown or black fleshy spot that develops on the skin when pigmented skin cells gather. Most moles are flat, but can also be raised, often round or have a well-proportioned shape. They show up in the first few decades of life and will continue to develop until around age 40. Normal moles are not a cause for concern, only atypical moles are likely linked to cancer. leather letter. If you understand the nature of the different types of moles and know which one to watch out for, you can then evaluate the mole yourself to determine if you need to see a doctor.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: A closer look at the mole

1. 

   Look for atypical moles. To do this you must differentiate between atypical moles and normal moles. Atypical moles, also called dysplasia less, are more common on the chest and back. They are usually larger than 6 mm in diameter and have at least three shades of brown or black. An atypical mole looks different from a regular mole because it has an irregular margin, most of which are raised in the center.
   • They have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
   • Moles are usually less than 6 mm in diameter, have no more than two colors, have a well defined and well defined border on the skin. Sometimes moles often develop to atypical if the pigment cells reproduce abnormally.
   • Freckles are different from moles, they do not arise from the proliferation of pigmented cells, but from a collection of some pigment cells that create a feature like 'freckles'. Freckles are lighter in color and smaller than moles, are flat on the face and usually appear on the face, chest, and biceps.

2. 

   
   
   Determine the right time to look for moles. For early detection of skin cancer, you need to do a regular self-examination of the mole once a month, and a full body scan should be done. No studies have yet given a specific time to check for moles, but it's best to do it from age 25 onwards.
   • It is easiest to check for moles after bathing, so you are undressed so you can access all parts of your body.

3. 

   
   
   Create the right space to check for moles. Find a well-lit room with a full body mirror, and have one handy. You will also need a tape measure or tape measure to measure the size of the mole, a notebook that records your data.
   • If you find moles need to be tracked, you should use the camera to monitor its change progress.
   • If you live in the US, you can purchase the American Association for Dermatological Surgery (ASDS) skin self-examination (SSE). The kit has a printable document as a tracking notebook, and they also teach you how to check for moles yourself.
   • The American Academy of Dermatology provides a body chart drawing that can be used to mark the location of moles that require consultation by a doctor.

4. 

   
   
   Proceed to check for moles. Examining for moles all over your body is easy, but time-consuming. First remove all your clothes and stand in front of the full body mirror, then watch your body for moles.
   • Looking in the mirror inspects all parts, including the face, ears, neck, front and rear of the arms, armpits, chest, hips, abdomen and legs.
   • You also need to check your hands, palms, fingers, fingernails and toenails, ankles, soles of the feet and between toes.
   • Don't forget to check the skin on the buttocks and genitals.
   • For women to test under two breasts.
   • It sounds a bit weird, but you should really watch the scalp. To make it easier on the eyes you can use a brush or dryer to push your hair aside, or ask someone else for help if you can't do this yourself.
   • Use the hand mirror to observe areas that cannot be seen on the full body mirror.

5. 

   How to look for a mole. When you spot a mole, take a closer look at it. Use a dimension ruler, then write in a notebook their shapes, positions, and sizes, along with the date you were tested.
   • You should also take pictures to keep track of how the mole changes over time.
   advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Detecting melanoma

1. 

   Find a melanoma. Atypical mole is more likely to be a melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanomas are made up of the melanocytes, which produce melanin, which is the colorant of the skin. Pigmented epidermal cells also form moles, and moles have so many of these cells, so melanoma can develop in moles. However, melanoma does not always arise from pre-existing moles.
   • In fact, the disease can appear on any area of ​​skin, most commonly on the back, legs, arms and face.
   • Compared to someone without a atypical mole, you are 10 times more likely to develop melanoma if you have more than five of these moles.
   • You will need to differentiate between atypical moles from normal moles, so that you can check for melanoma on atypical moles. Early detection of skin cancer is more likely to be successfully treated.
   • Touch to check for a raised mole.Watch for changes in size, shape, color, raised height, or any new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or peeling of skin on the pimple. You will only see this on subsequent checks, so it is important to record all information found in a manual.

2. 

   Identify melanoma by the rule of "ABCDE". This is an easy-to-remember acronym for you to learn to distinguish melanoma, it helps you distinguish between benign moles and potentially cancer-causing moles.
   • “A” is for asymmetry. Benign moles are usually symmetrical, meaning that if you draw a line through the center of the pimple, the halves should look similar in size and shape. If you have asymmetrical moles you should see your doctor.
   • "B" is the border. Benign moles have a smooth shoreline, while a pigmented tumor has a bumpy, jagged-like appearance. If you find white or opaque fleshy spots on a mole, with a curled inward and twisted border, the mole is probably a melanoma. This is a sign of cancer because skin cells multiply too quickly.
   • "C" is the color (color). Benign moles are uniform in color and are usually brown. In contrast, melanoma has multiple colors on the same pimple. Black or red bumps are also at risk of melanoma.
   • "D" is the diameter. Benign moles are only 6 mm in diameter or less, you can measure them with a tape measure or tape measure. If the mole is larger than 6 mm, you should see your doctor.
   • “E” is evolution. The most important factor to keep in mind is whether the mole has progressed or changed from a "normal" state. If it changes in size, shape or color, you should see your doctor.

3. 

   Consult your doctor. If the mole shows any signs of atypical properties, or when the skin changes abnormally, consult your doctor. The danger of melanoma will be greatly reduced if you catch the disease early. This is especially true when you have a family member diagnosed with skin cancer.
   • If you have more than 100 moles, you should also see your doctor to make sure there are no other potential problems. Your doctor will do an in-depth examination because they have more knowledge than you and know what signs to look for.
   • Likewise, you should see your doctor if you have a lot of moles on your back. Your doctor is fully equipped to evaluate melanoma, while you cannot see close-up moles on your back.
   • If you were treated for cancer with radiation as a child, you should also check with your doctor, as radiation can be the cause of skin cancer.

4. 

   How does the examination process work? For patients with atypical moles the doctor will examine the skin all over the body. They take pictures to follow their progression, and use a skin scanner or microscope to observe the magnified image.
   • If they suspect that it is an atypical mole or melanoma, they will biopsy the skin by cutting a thin layer of skin.
   • Sometimes doctors have to use a surgical knife to cut the whole mole and send it to the lab for analysis, the results of the experiment come a few days later.
   • The treatment is based on the test results, and they may ask you to see a dermatologist for a more detailed examination.

5. 

   Be aware of risk factors. Melanoma has several risk factors that you should be aware of. Skin cancer has a high risk of recurrence, so you must be cautious if you have been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past. Common risk factors include:
   • pale or lighter skin than usual
   • exposure to UV rays, even when using a tanned bath
   • have been sunburned
   • older people, having previously treated the disease with radiation
   • have any disease that weakens the immune system, like AIDS
   • use of drugs or treatments that suppress the immune system, for example chemotherapy
   • have a family history of melanoma
   • You should check for moles more often yourself if you have any of the above risk factors, or get regular dermatology exams.
   advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Prevent skin cancer

1. 

   Use sunscreen when outdoors. Even on cloudy days your skin can absorb UV rays from the sun. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to avoid sunburn, which is an increased risk factor for melanoma.
   • Buy a "broad spectrum" sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
   • Rub sunscreen all over exposed skin with palm-filled amount.

2. 

   Limit sun exposure. If possible, go out in the shade whenever you need to go outside, and stay out of the sun during “peak hours”, usually between 10 AM and 2 PM.
   • Wear protective clothing when leaving the house, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, sun protection clothing, hats and sunglasses.

3. 

   Avoid tanning baths. Tanning can cause skin cancer, including melanoma. Do not use a tanning bed and use a tanning machine.
   • If you want a tanned skin color, experts recommend using a tanning cream, preferably one with dihydroxyacetone or DHA ingredients.
   advertisement