Mole or Melanoma?

Moles are something that most everyone has, at least somewhere on their body. Many moles go overlooked, as simply cosmetic imperfections for years. What appears to be a harmless mole however could be skin cancer (melanoma). One in seventy five Americans will develop melanoma at some point in their lives.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops on the surface of the skin. If caught early and removed it is usually less deadly than other cancers and spreads less quickly. The cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the body however, and can become fatal if not treated.

What causes melanoma?

Melanoma is most closely related to sun exposure; however you can develop melanoma on parts of your body that have not been exposed to the sun. With the gradual decline of the ozone layer and the increasing fashion of being "tan" melanoma cases have increased dramatically over the past 20 years.

Who is at risk for melanoma?

Everyone is at risk for developing melanoma. Those with very light skin, a family history of melanoma, or those with over one hundred moles are more likely to develop the cancer than others.

Is melanoma fatal?

If caught early melanoma is rarely a fatal cancer. Melanoma that is left untreated however can spread to other parts of your body at which point it can become a fatal disease. For that reason it is important to do regular checks of your moles and get any suspicious moles checked out and removed early on before they begin to be a problem.

How do I know if my mole is melanoma?

l. It is important to regularly inspect the moles on your body, looking for any warning signs that they might be cancerous:

1.A harmless mole is usually round, and for the most part symmetric. If your mole is asymmetric it may need to be looked at by your doctor, and could be melanoma.

2.A harmless mole is usually all one color. Most regular moles are either all black or all brown in color. If your mole is several different shades of black, brown, and or red it may need to be looked at by your doctor, and could be melanoma.