Mole Evaluation / Removal
ABCDs and E of Melanoma – Characteristics of moles for which individuals should check their skin.
One of the key educational tools used to train physicians, medical personnel and the general public on how to recognize early melanomas is the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection.
These characteristics of moles for which individuals should check their skin include Asymmetry (one half unlike the other half), Border (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined), Color (varies from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue), and Diameter (the size of a pencil eraser or larger). Recently the Academy has added an “E” to these criteria, which stands for Evolving (or changing in size, shape or color).
When to see a Dermatologic Care Provider
If a mole seems worrisome, displays one or more of the ABCDEs, or is new and looks unusual, promptly make an appointment to see a dermatologic care provider.
Most moles are not melanoma, but a dermatologic care provider can assure you that the mole is harmless, or perform a biopsy to check the mole. A biopsy, which involves removing the mole or other suspicious lesion and examining it under a microscope, is the only way to confirm that a lesion is skin cancer.
Treatment for Moles
Dermatologic care providers remove a mole when it becomes a nuisance, a patient finds the mole unattractive, or skin cancer is suspected. How a dermatologic care provider removes the mole depends on the size of the mole, where it appears on the body, and other factors.
One commonly used method for removing a mole is called surgical excision. This involves cutting out the entire mole and stitching the skin closed. Another option for removing a mole is to use a surgical blade to shave away the mole.