Almost all adults have at least one mole. Some people are born with moles, and some develop moles over time. Those moles are called acquired moles.
With growing awareness about melanoma, it’s OK if you have questions about your moles. That’s why our team here at Dr. Bridget Bellingar DO & Associates is happy to answer all of your questions about moles. We can also remove skin lesions, if needed.
To help you determine when it’s time to seek treatment for skin lesions, we have created this guide.
Know your ABC’s
Anytime you have concerns about skin lesions, seek professional medical care. Getting swift evaluation of your lesions gives you peace of mind and lets us start treatment as soon as possible.
With that in mind, the American Academy of Dermatology has a simple way for you to evaluate your moles: Know your ABC’s.
Asymmetrical
A normal mole is symmetrical. That means the two halves of the mole look identical. If your mole is asymmetrical, then it’s time to give us a call.
Border
Does your mole have an uneven border? A mole with a scalloped, uneven border is a red flag. Borders should be even and symmetrical.
Color
Moles can vary in color. Some are dark brown and some are lighter in color. Some benign skin growths can even be red. But if your mole has multiple shades within it, it’s time to get checked out.
Diameter
The larger the mole, the more concerning the lesion is. According to the AAD, most melanomas are about the size of a pencil eraser — that’s 6 millimeters or bigger.
Note: If your lesion has other concerning symptoms but is less than 6 millimeters, it’s still a good idea to get it checked out.
Evolving
Ideally, you should examine your skin once a month. This gives you a good baseline to notice small changes as soon as they start to appear. If any moles or concerning lesions start to evolve, you’re ready for an exam.
Found a spot you don’t love?
If you have a mole with any of the above characteristics, we’re here to answer your questions and help you get the care you need. We offer several methods for lesion removal — including shave removal and laser removal.
To schedule an appointment, call our Seminole, Florida, office or use our online tool to request an appointment. We’re here to help you.