How to identify a cancerous mole?

The past few decades have witnessed a dramatic surge in the number of cancer cases diagnosed and related deaths. This increase is often associated with lifestyle changes and an estimated rise per year is 1.2%. Such lifestyle changes can have a considerable impact on the largest organ of our body – the skin. Consequently, skin cancer has emerged as one of the most common types of cancers diagnosed worldwide. That said, treatments employed in the cure for cancer are evolving and are substantially effective.

However, it is the diagnostic inability in the earlier detection of cancer that limits the effectiveness of these treatments. In the case of skin cancers, Melanoma is one of the cancers more likely to spread than any other skin cancer types. Often originating as a mole, finding Melanoma earlier can help remove it before it spreads. Hence, here is all you need to know if you are wondering how to identify if a mole is cancerous?

Melanoma and early detection

Many of us have small brown growths on the skin called moles. These moles are nothing but clusters of Melanocytes – pigment-containing cells. Ordinarily, the moles are harmless and can appear anywhere on the skin. Yet, the Melanocytes can sometimes become cancerous and give rise to Melanoma. Although not the most common type of skin cancer, Melanoma is the deadliest type. Here is how its early detection makes a difference:

• Melanoma of the earliest stage can be removed surgically and that might be the only treatment needed.

• Since it’s linked to moles, one can recognize visible warning signs in case of an abnormality.

• Localized melanoma has a 5-year survival rate of 99% which declines as cancer progresses.

Therefore, you should immediately consult a cancer specialist if you suspect an atypical mole on your body. Moving ahead, let’s know how you can differentiate between a normal mole and a suspected one.

How can you tell a cancerous mole?

Although a doctor can very well establish the early signs of melanoma, observing an abnormal mole aids effective treatment. Dr. Manish Singhal, Oncologist, suggests the following to identify a cancerous mole:

The ABCDE of Melanoma

Many cancer specialists use the ABCDE rule and you might as well seek the guidance of these alphabets. These five signs tell you if you should see a doctor.

• Asymmetry: The A stands for Asymmetry which is one of the signs of a cancerous mole. The normal moles appear round to oval and are symmetrical while cancerous moles do not. Draw an imaginary line through the middle of the mole and see if the two halves match. Talk to a cancer specialist upon observing an asymmetrical mole.

• Border: Common moles have even and smooth borders. Whereas melanoma has a border that is fuzzy, irregular, and scalloped. Hence, observing the border is another way to know if you have a cancerous mole.

• Colour: C of ABCDE stands for the color of the mole. The benign moles on the body take a similar shade of brown. On the contrary, a cancerous mole may appear as tan, pink, red, white, or any other shade of brown. Often it may become difficult to assess the color of the mole and in this case, a cancer specialist can help you best.

• Diameter or dark: According to Dr. Manish Singhal it is ideal to detect when the Melanoma is small. Hence it is also important to pay attention to the size of the moles. A melanoma may be about 6 mm in size or larger, any mole of this size can serve as a warning sign. Moreover, one should also look for lesions that are darker than the skin tone.

• Evolving: Cancerous moles are also distinct by the fact that they may evolve depending on the case. By this, it means that the cancerous mole can change its size or shape. It can also grow rapidly with new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, and crusting.

What is ugly duckling?

The ugly duckling is another pre-eminent strategy recommended by cancer specialists for recognizing Melanoma. The concept behind this is that many moles on one’s body resemble one another. Whereas in the case of melanoma, the moles are what is known as ‘ugly ducklings’ and stand out from the normal moles.

Therefore, it is also important to not just look for irregularities but also compare the suspicious mole with others. Any isolated lesion or mole also exhibits a suspicion of Melanoma and has to be examined by a cancer specialist.

To sum up, it is not an easy task to identify a potential Melanoma owing to the complexity of the disease. It can manifest in many different forms and also may not follow any typical warning sign or symptom. Melanoma also appears as a birthmark, pimple, bruise, or sore which necessitates the advice of a cancer specialist. It is also vital to know that 70-80% of melanoma does not develop in existing moles.

If you are suspicious about any abnormality, follow your instincts and consult the best oncologist in Noida. Cancer consults India is a prominent organization having a team of accomplished medical professionals in the field of cancer care. Dr. Manish Singhal is a distinguishable name associated with the organization. With extensive experience of this discipline, he has successfully diagnosed numerous patients throughout his career as an oncologist.

His expertise covers a wide range of cancers, consistently ranking him amongst the leading cancer doctors in Delhi NCR. Make an appointment by calling at +91-997 1347 203 and ensure stress-free and healthy living. You may also visit this page for additional inquiries or to book an appointment.

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