Moles

Moles are very common. Individuals with light skin tend to have more moles. The most important fact to know about moles is that melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer can develop in or near a mole. People who have more than 50 moles, which have appeared after birth, have a higher risk of developing melanoma than those who have fewer moles.

It is highly recommended to see a dermatologist regularly, perform skin self-exams, and practice sun protection.

The ABCD's of Skin Cancer Detection

TrueSkin Dermatology and Surgery, Inc. specializes in state-of-the art skin cancer treatments. While most moles are harmless, skin cancer can be dangerous and melanoma reports are rising each year in the United States.

What you should know about the sun……it causes 90% of all skin cancers.

• Overcast days are not much safer than those that are sunny. 70 to 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can get through the clouds.
• The sun is approximately 80% stronger when reflected off sand and snow.
• The sun's rays increase in intensity about 4% for every 1,000 foot rise in altitude.
• The best time to engage in sports or play outside is before 10:00 am and after 4:00 pm – if this time frame is not possible, try to avoid being out at high noon.
• The sun weakens the immune system, reducing your defense against infection.

It is important to check your moles regularly and to visit a Dermatologist once a year for a skin exam. Look for the following warning signs of melanoma as you check your moles at home, and contact a Dermatologist if you have any concerns:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half
• Border: The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular
• Color: The color of the mole is not the same throughout or it has shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue.
• Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), they can be smaller, can also change, bleed or itch.

With melanoma, survival rates increase the earlier it is detected. For this reason, we only employ expert Pathologists specially trained in skin cancer detection. A missed diagnosis could cost a patient his/her life, so making sure each TrueSkin patient receives the best care is our top priority.

Any lesion or spot that will not heal, is painful, bleeds, or is changing, should be evaluated by a Dermatologist.