Moles which have irregular borders, are asymmetrical, have varying colors, are larger than a pencil eraser, or have evolved over time may be indicative of skin cancer and could be dangerous.
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Moles, also known as nevi, are clusters of pigmented skin cells that appear as small, dark spots on the skin. While most moles are harmless, some can be indicative of skin cancer and may be dangerous. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, moles which have irregular borders, are asymmetrical, have varying colors, are larger than a pencil eraser, or have evolved over time may be indicative of skin cancer and could be dangerous.
A famous person who was affected by skin cancer due to a mole is Hugh Jackman. He has had several skin cancer surgeries over the years, and has been vocal about the importance of preventative measures and regular skin exams.
Here are some interesting facts on the topic of moles and skin cancer:
- Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, accounts for only 1% of all skin cancer cases, but causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.
- According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
- While fair-skinned individuals are at greater risk for developing skin cancer, people of all skin tones can develop it.
- The use of tanning beds increases the risk of developing skin cancer, with people who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 having a 75% higher risk of developing melanoma.
- The ABCDEs of melanoma can be used as a guide for identifying potentially dangerous moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolution or changes over time.
Finally, here is a table summarizing the ABCDEs of melanoma:
| Letter | Meaning | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| A | Asymmetry | One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half |
| B | Border | The mole has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border |
| C | Color | The mole has varied colors or shades throughout |
| D | Diameter | The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) |
| E | Evolution | The mole has changed in size, shape, or color, or has started to itch, bleed, or crust over |
Video answer to “Which moles are dangerous?”
In the video “How Do Moles Become Cancerous?” melanomas, which can originate from moles, are discussed. When melanocytes, cells responsible for producing melanin that protect our skin from UV damage, are exposed to DNA damage from UV light but are still able to survive, they can cluster to form non-cancerous growths called nevi or moles. Additional mutations in genes that can occur due to extensive UV damage can cause these moles to eventually turn into a melanoma. It’s important to note that not all melanomas start as moles and can develop from other forms of skin growth. The video also highlights primary prevention through healthy behaviors and eating habits as a way to reduce the risk of cancer.
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A mole that is larger than 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser, is cause for concern. Talk with your doctor if you notice any of the ABCDEs of melanoma, or if you have a mole that is evolving or changing in size, shape or feeling.
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What is a cancerous mole look like?
Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen. Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than the size of a pea (larger than 6 millimeters or about 1/4 inch).
How can I tell if a mole is dangerous?
Answer to this: Melanoma: Symptoms and Signs
- Asymmetry. The shape of one-half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border. The edges are ragged, notched, uneven, or blurred.
- Color. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present.
- Diameter. The diameter is usually larger than 6 millimeters (mm) or has grown in size.
- Evolving.
When should you be suspicious of a mole?
The answer is: Spread of color from the border of a spot to the skin around it. Redness or a new swelling beyond the border. Itchiness, tenderness or pain. Change in the surface of a mole — scaliness, oozing, bleeding, a new bump or nodule.
What moles should you not worry about?
If you look at a benign, or harmless, mole, it is usually symmetrical. On the other hand, a worrisome mole is asymmetrical, meaning if you cut in half, the two sides do not look the same. Benign moles typically have a regular, round border. Cancerous moles tend to have irregular borders.
Are moles bad to have in your yard?
The response is: “Moles aren’t all bad. In fact, they’re 99 per cent good,” Mr Mercer commented, explaining: “They aerate soil. They eat mostly grubs, which are undesirable, because grubs eat the roots of your grass. Then they turn into beetles, which feed on your decorative plants. Moles eat lots of Japanese beetle grubs, which destroy rose blossoms.”
Are moles on the endanger list?
Answer will be: Juliana’s golden mole (Neamblysomus julianae) is a golden mole endemic to South Africa.It is listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss and a restricted range. Golden moles are an ancient group of mammals that live mostly below ground. The eponymous Juliana is Juliana Meester, the wife of the South African zoologist who named this species.
Are ground moles harmful to humans?
In reply to that: Are Ground Moles Dangerous? Moles are most feared for their ability to cause destruction in your garden or backyard. But do moles bite? Moles are fairly harmless and although they have some teeth, they’re typically only used to eat grubs. Although they don’t pose a serious threat to humans, they nonetheless need to be handled before they
What happens when a dog eats a mole or vole?
One of the biggest concerns with a dog eating a mole is not the mole themselves, but poisnin they may have ingested. If the mole ingests poison, and the dog eats the mole, then they will also consume the poison. Unfortunately, mole poison is typically made from zinc phosphide or bromethalin.
Are moles bad to have in your yard?
Answer to this: “Moles aren’t all bad. In fact, they’re 99 per cent good,” Mr Mercer commented, explaining: “They aerate soil. They eat mostly grubs, which are undesirable, because grubs eat the roots of your grass. Then they turn into beetles, which feed on your decorative plants. Moles eat lots of Japanese beetle grubs, which destroy rose blossoms.”
Are moles on the endanger list?
As an answer to this: Juliana’s golden mole (Neamblysomus julianae) is a golden mole endemic to South Africa.It is listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss and a restricted range. Golden moles are an ancient group of mammals that live mostly below ground. The eponymous Juliana is Juliana Meester, the wife of the South African zoologist who named this species.
Are ground moles harmful to humans?
The response is: Are Ground Moles Dangerous? Moles are most feared for their ability to cause destruction in your garden or backyard. But do moles bite? Moles are fairly harmless and although they have some teeth, they’re typically only used to eat grubs. Although they don’t pose a serious threat to humans, they nonetheless need to be handled before they
What happens when a dog eats a mole or vole?
Response to this: One of the biggest concerns with a dog eating a mole is not the mole themselves, but poisnin they may have ingested. If the mole ingests poison, and the dog eats the mole, then they will also consume the poison. Unfortunately, mole poison is typically made from zinc phosphide or bromethalin.