Developing healthy habits can be a journey in itself. And keeping up with those healthy habits and rituals? Even tougher. We all know the basic things we should be doing on a daily or weekly basis to keep ourselves thriving at our optimum level, but sometimes there are things that easily fall off the schedule. For instance, did you know that moles and freckles should be self-checked once a month for irregularities? That’s right. If you have moles or freckles, you should be inspecting your skin regularly for key characteristics and changes that could indicate skin cancer. The ABCDE rule is a good visual guide to use when checking for the usual signs of a potentially cancerous mole. Read on for the 6 signs of a cancerous mole and let your doctor or dermatologist know if you notice any of the following features.

If you’re currently worried about a mole, remember that a visit to a dermatologist is the fastest way to receive the information and treatment you need to address your suspicious mole swiftly and effectively.

• Asymmetry
  As strange as it sounds, healthy moles are commonly symmetrical, meaning that if you were to fold the shape in half, both sides would match. Asymmetry tends to be more difficult to check for, but imagine that you drew a line down the center of the mole or freckle. Do both halves match? If one half of the mole or freckle is uneven and does not match the other, this abnormality could be a warning sign and should be noted to a professional.
  
  
• Border
  A mole with a “blurry” border could be a cause for concern. Healthy moles or freckles have clearly defined borders on their outside circumference. If you spot a blurred or an irregular border around the outside edge of a mole, make sure to consult your dermatologist. Irregular borders include ragged or notched shapes and can oftentimes feel raised to the touch.
  
  
• Color
  Sudden color inconsistencies is another warning sign to spot. A common sign of a potentially cancerous mole or freckle is one that does not have the same color throughout. This includes different shades of brown or black, or patches of pink, red, white, or even blue. If you find a mole that is not all one color, bring this detail to your dermatologist’s attention. A healthy mole will most commonly be one consistent color.
  
  
• Diameter
  Healthy moles are usually smaller than malignant ones. A healthy mole doesn’t normally grow larger in size than ¼ inch (or 6 millimeters) in width, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. While it’s important to note that cancerous moles can sometimes be smaller, the diameter of a mole is a key visual cue that the mole may be abnormal, especially if it seems to be gradually growing in size. If you have a mole that’s larger than the size of a pencil eraser, it‘s a good idea to consult a dermatologist.
  
  
• Evolving
  Whether it’s color, shape, or size – any sign of change is indicative of a potentially cancerous mole. This is why it’s so absolutely necessary to routinely self-inspect moles and freckles and be on the look-out for any changes, no matter how miniscule. A mole that grows in size, shape, or develops any of these new characteristics could be a sign of skin cancer.
  
  
• Change in sensation
  Another warning sign that isn’t included in the ABCDE rule is a change in sensation. If a mole or freckle is suddenly itchy, tender, or painful, this could be a sign of skin cancer. Moles should not be typically bothersome in any way, and while not all cancerous moles are sensitive, and not all sensitive moles are cancerous, it is still a cause for concern and should be addressed with a doctor or dermatologist.

If you have a suspicious mole that you think may feature one of the above characteristics from the ABCDE rule, don’t panic. A visit to a skilled dermatologist is the fastest way to receive treatment for a suspicious mole, or at least the peace of mind if in fact the mole is benign. Early discovery and treatment is imperative to avoiding more serious issues. Contact Dr. Robert Miller of Long Beach, CA to receive the information and treatment to swiftly address any mole or freckle that may be a cause for concern. Dr. Robert M. Miller has been recognized as a Top Doctor by FindaTopDoc.com and has been awarded the Patient’s Choice Award. He is also featured as one of the top Long Beach Dermatology Practices by OpenCare.com. Schedule an appointment today by clicking here.

With the wide range of warning signs, determining if a mole is atypical or not may seem like a struggle, especially if the mole or freckle in question is located in an area that’s difficult to examine yourself. A dermatologist will be able to most accurately screen your skin for signs of potentially cancerous moles. Keep an eye on suspicious moles during your monthly self-checks and visit a dermatologist as soon as warning signs appear to receive potential treatment as soon as possible.