The easy 'ABCDE' rule to checking your moles
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One of the distinctive marks of skin cancer is when an existing or new mole changes its appearance over a few weeks or months. Here’s what to look out for. As confirmed by the NHS, melanomas (i.e. skin cancer) “usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape”. An asymmetrical mole is one of the warning signs that it could be a cancerous lesion.
Another possible indication of skin cancer is when a mole has a “notched or ragged border”.
Meanwhile, a non-cancerous mole typically has a well-defined, regular border in comparison.
Most melanomas will be a mixture of two or more colours, while a normal mole tends to be the same colour throughout.
When it comes to size, the cancerous lesion can be larger than 6mm in diameter.
Building on the size of the mole, any enlargement or elevation over time “is more likely to be a melanoma”.
All these signs of skin cancer are known as the ABCDE model, which can be remembered as follows:
- Asymmetrical
- Border
- Colour
- Diameter
- Enlargement or elevation.
When it comes to checking your moles on your body, do remember to look under the nail, on the sole of the feet, in the mouth, and genital area.
An easy way to keep track of any mole changes is to download the free NHS MoleCare app.
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If you’re concerned about a mole on your body, do get in contact with your doctor.
You may be asked to send across a digital photograph of the concerning patch of skin, which can then be sent on to a specialist.
It’ll help to document any changes to your moles, which can help a specialist make a diagnosis.
It’s usually a quick turnaround from seeing your GP and a specialist if skin cancer is suspected – expect to be seen within two to three weeks.
When seeing a specialist, they might need to take a biopsy to check if it’s cancerous.
This minor procedure is done under local anaesthetic so that the area is numb, meaning it will be painless.
If skin cancer is confirmed, you’ll usually need another operation to remove a wider area of skin.
This is so all cancerous cells are removed from the body; further medical monitoring may take place for up to five years.
The specialist will check for further signs of skin cancer and do tests to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes, for example.
Up to 90 percent of patients are discharged with no further problems.
As with any type of cancer, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
Treating cancer in the earliest stages produces the best chances for a full recovery.
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