What Does a Cancerous Mole Look Like - And is it Melanoma? - Nurse's Guide

If you have a skin mole on your arm or leg orsize, shape and color. And new symptoms of
body now or maybe you have a few of them orbleeding and itching can develop.
even many of them you may be wondering whatAny changing mole or lesion should be a cause for
does a cancerous mole look like. And is itconcern and should be checked out right away.
melanoma? I'll show you how to tell if that moleMost moles do not change their size shape, color
on your arm, leg or body is cancerous.and symmetry. You would be able to tell there is
Of course anyone who has a mole may besomething different going on.
worried that they have a cancerous mole. ThatIn tests the doctor inventors of the ABCDE rule
they have malignant melanoma or a skin cancer,discovered that people with melanoma had as
but many people go through a lifetime withmany as 70% of their lesions evolving. So if you
dozens of moles and do not get malignanthave a changing mole you need to get checked
melanoma. Never-the-less one always wondersout now. You are the one that is going to notice
but there is a good way to evaluate and decideyour mole changing or skin cancer first. If you
for yourself whether you should have a doctorhave any of the signs of A, B, C and D and it in
take a look at your mole or moles right now. Ofnot evolving you still need to get your moles
course if you're in the doctor's office for anythingchecked out for there is a good possibility it's
else you can always have them take a look atmelanoma.
your moles.An evolving mole is a big concern. So see your
For many years doctors have always preacheddoctor if you have any of these signs of skin
the rule of ABCD. A mole could be melanoma ifcancer or cancerous moles. If you catch
it's A for asymmetrical (uneven), B for themelanoma early you will be able to treat it
borders are irregular (not smooth), C for variationeffectively. Don't wait. It can sneak up on you.
in color, and D for the diameter - which wouldMelanoma is systemic; it is not confined to the
have to be larger than the eraser on a pencil. Butarea on your skin. Your immune system and
a couple of years ago or so the doctors whobody will be involved. Your doctor will decide on
invented the ABCD rule decided to add a thirdwhether to remove the mole or not. It doesn't
letter- E. The E stands for evolving; the evolvinghurt to do all the research you can so you'll know
means the mole is changing over a period of time.exactly what to look for and know what
The cancerous mole or skin cancer can change inquestions to ask your doctor when you do go in.