Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or spending time outdoors, protecting your skin is important. At Dr. Ben Wiese’s clinic, we focus on supporting patients in looking after their skin health. Regular skin checks can help identify changes that may need closer attention, including new or evolving moles. These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns and receive guidance on monitoring your skin safely.
In this post, we’ll outline the differences between typical moles and ones that may warrant assessment, describe common warning signs, and highlight why timely evaluation is helpful.
The Importance of Early Detection
Recognizing potential skin changes early can support simpler treatment options and may help reduce the likelihood of the cancer spreading. When skin cancers are identified at an early stage, they are often limited to the outer layers of the skin, which can make management more straightforward.
If skin cancer progresses without being noticed, treatment may become more involved and may require additional steps.
This is why regular self-checks and periodic skin examinations with a health-care provider are encouraged. Paying attention to new spots, changing moles, or lesions that do not heal can help ensure that concerns are evaluated promptly.
Staying aware of your skin and seeking assessment when needed is an important part of maintaining overall health.
Normal Moles vs. Concerning Skin Changes
Understanding what typical moles look like (and which changes may need assessment) can be helpful in spotting early warning signs. Most moles remain stable over time, which is why noticing changes is important.
Normal moles are often symmetrical, have smooth borders, a uniform colour, and are usually small (under about 6 mm).
Moles or spots that begin to look different from your usual pattern, or that change over time, may benefit from evaluation by a health-care provider.
Regular self-checks and periodic clinical skin exams can support early identification of areas that may need further review.
The ABCDEs of Skin Check Awareness
The ABCDE guide is a commonly used tool to help people remember features that can be associated with melanoma. These signs don’t diagnose cancer, but they can signal that a mole or spot should be examined by a clinician.
A – Asymmetry
Typical moles tend to be relatively symmetrical. A mole with uneven halves may warrant a closer look.
B – Border
Benign moles often have smooth, well-defined borders. Edges that appear irregular or blurred can be a feature to monitor.
C – Colour
Most moles have one consistent colour. Spots with multiple shades or unusual colours may need assessment.
D – Diameter
Many benign moles are smaller than 6 mm. Larger moles (or ones that begin to grow) may be worth mentioning to a health-care provider.
E – Evolving
Any noticeable change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms (such as itching, bleeding, or crusting) is a reason to get the area checked.
Melanoma Canada offers helpful visuals and further information for those wanting to learn more about the ABCDE framework.
Other Skin Changes to Be Aware Of
In addition to the ABCDEs, other features may indicate a spot that needs medical assessment. These can include, but aren’t limited to:
- Non-healing sores: Spots that don’t heal within a few weeks—even when they haven’t been irritated—should be evaluated, as some skin cancers can present this way.
- Spreading pigmentation: Pigment extending from a mole into the surrounding skin is a change worth discussing with a clinician.
- Changes in sensation: New sensations such as tenderness, pain, or numbness in a mole or lesion may be a sign to get it checked.
- Changes in surface: Bleeding, oozing, scaling, or new bumps or lumps on a mole’s surface are also changes to monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about moles and skin changes that people often ask.
What do melanoma spots look like?
Melanoma can appear in many different ways. Features that may raise concern include asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven colour, a diameter larger than about 6 mm, or noticeable changes over time. These signs do not confirm melanoma, but they are reasons to have the spot assessed by a health-care provider.
Can benign lesions turn cancerous?
Most benign lesions remain harmless. Some people have atypical moles (dysplastic nevi), which can be associated with a higher risk of melanoma. Because of this, regular monitoring and periodic skin checks can be helpful.
What should I do if I have an itchy mole?
If a mole becomes itchy, changes, or develops new symptoms, it’s a good idea to have it examined by a clinician. Try to avoid scratching or irritating the area, and consider using moisturizer if the skin feels dry.
Can I get my whole body checked for moles?
Yes. Many health-care providers offer full-body skin exams to assess moles and other skin lesions. These exams can help identify areas that may need closer monitoring. If you’re interested in learning more, we also have a blog post about mole mapping and how it can support this process.
Is mole mapping the same as a skin check?
Mole mapping uses digital photography to document moles over time so changes can be monitored more easily. A skin check, on the other hand, is a visual examination performed by a health-care provider. Mole mapping can complement a clinical exam but does not replace professional assessment.
Final Thoughts
Keeping track of the moles and spots on your ski (and being aware of changes over time) can be an important part of maintaining your overall health. Regular skin checks, both at home and with a health-care provider, can help ensure that any areas of concern are assessed promptly.
If you have a mole or skin change you’re unsure about, you’re welcome to contact the clinic for an appointment. No referral is required. You can call the clinic or use our contact form, and a member of our team will follow up with you.
Recognizing potential issues early supports a wider range of treatment options and may help reduce the likelihood of complications. Whenever you have concerns about your skin, seeking timely evaluation is a helpful step.