Though sun and skin safety is top of mind for many Michiganders during the summer months, it is important to protect your skin from these harmful rays all year long.
Though most moles on the body are harmless, they are often one of the first visible signs of skin cancer. There are also steps you can take to reduce your risk. Moles appear on the body when clusters of cells gather in one area, instead of spreading apart. They are often small and appear darker than the rest of the skin. Most moles are no cause for concern. In fact, most people have between 10 and 40 moles. Although they can grow at any point in life, most moles appear at birth and in young kids, as well as young adults.
Pre-existing moles can also darken or become more noticeable from sun exposure. Most moles are benign. This means they are harmless and do not cause cancer.
However, sometimes they grow and become malignant. This means they are cancerous and must be removed. It is important to keep an eye on all moles. Detecting malignant moles in early stages of growth can help catch skin cancers, like:. When monitoring your moles, look for color, shape and size.
These are some of the most common triggers for spotting an abnormal mole. UV light from the sun can increase the chance of a mole becoming cancerous. If you have lots of moles, you need to be extra careful in the sun.
There are some things you can do to protect your moles from sun damage, especially during hot weather.
Page last reviewed: 22 June Next review due: 22 June An example of how melanoma tumors are often asymmetrical lopsided , unlike noncancerous moles. If you have 50 or more normal moles or 5 or more "dysplastic" moles , you should check your skin thoroughly several times per year. Even if you don't have any moles, you should do a skin self-exam once per year.
If you see any of the following signs, contact your healthcare provider:. A normal mole is shown in this picture. Note that the color is the same throughout the mole — there are no multiple shades of brown, black, or tan, as is usually seen in melanoma.
This melanoma tumor has a border that is uneven, ragged, or notched. This is another way to distinguish melanoma from normal moles, which typically have borders that are smooth. Normal moles come in a variety of sizes and colors: a a small freckle-like skin discoloration called a "macule" ; b a larger macule; c a mole that is raised above level of the skin; and d a mole that has lost its dark color.
None of these examples are melanoma. A melanoma lesion containing different shades of brown, black, and tan. If you see any of these happening to one of your moles, contact your healthcare provider promptly. More examples of ordinary moles : a a uniformly tan or brown skin discoloration, 1 to 2 mm in diameter, b a larger skin discoloration, c a mole that is slightly raised above the surface of the skin, d a mole that is more clearly raised above the skin, and e a pink or flesh-colored mole.
All of these are normal, and even a single mole may go through these stages over time. However, all of them have a smooth border and are clearly separated from the surrounding skin, in contrast to a melanoma tumor.
Our final photograph is a melanoma tumor that is large and had gotten bigger over time — a key characteristic of a melanoma tumor. If you see any suspicious skin lesion, especially one that is new or changed in size, contact your healthcare provider. Remember, melanoma can be cured if detected early, unlike many cancers. So knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your healthcare provider may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.
If you have multiple moles or other risk factors, it is important that you perform regular self-examinations of your skin, see a dermatologist for regular examinations, and protect yourself from the sun. Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Dysplastic nevi and melanoma. Annual Reporting and Auditing. Transfer of a Grant. Grant Closeout. Cancer Training at NCI. Resources for Trainees. Funding for Cancer Training. Building a Diverse Workforce. National Cancer Act 50th Anniversary Commemoration. Resources for News Media. Media Contacts.
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Skin Cancer. Childhood Melanoma Treatment. Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment. What Does a Mole Look Like? The photos below show the difference between common moles and dysplastic nevi. Dysplastic nevi are often larger than 5 millimeters wide.
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