A Mole is Large, Colorful, and Raised
On average, there are 10 to 45 moles on a human’s body. A mole is any dark brown spot on the skin that is created by a cluster of pigment. Moles appear throughout childhood, though people often find new ones up to about 40 years old.
Moles are usually benign. They should not change size, thickness, or coloring for as long as you have them. However, if you notice there is a mole that has suddenly popped up, changed size, has an odd color, is unevenly raised, or gives you any cause of concern, then you should listen to that feeling and see a dermatologist. That mole could actually be melanoma, a form of cancer.
The best way to determine if a mole is melanoma is to follow the ABCD rule. A stands for “asymmetry.” Moles should be round and symmetrical. If the mole looks like a Rorschach representation, that is not good. Next, B for “border.” Again, this applies to irregularities in the shape and edge of the mole. C means “color,” which should be uniform. Tinges of pinks within the mole is not normal. Lastly, D for “diameter.” A mole that is larger than a pencil eraser is worrying.
If you have a mole that meets any of the criteria, you need to see a medical professional.
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