Moles and Dermoscopy: Which Mole Is Dangerous — the ABCDE Rule and Check-ups

A mole (naevus) is a cluster of pigment cells in the skin. Almost everyone has a few moles, and most stay harmless for life. But melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, often starts as a mole or appears in an existing one. That is why having a mole checked in time is a simple, painless and potentially life-saving step.

When to check a mole: the ABCDE rule

When looking at your moles at home, watch for:

• A — asymmetry: the two halves do not match;
• B — border: ragged, notched or blurred edges;
• C — colour: several colours in one mole — brown, black, red, white or bluish;
• D — diameter: larger than 6 mm (bigger than a pencil eraser);
• E — evolution: the mole changes in size, shape, colour or height.

Also see a dermatologist if a mole itches, bleeds, ulcerates or looks very different from your other moles (the "ugly duckling" sign).

Who should have their moles checked regularly?

• people with more than 50 moles;
• people with fair skin, blond or red hair, who burn easily;
• anyone who had several bad sunburns in childhood;
• people with a family history of melanoma;
• people with large (congenital) or irregular moles;
• sunbed users and people who work outdoors.

What is dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy is examining a mole with a special magnifying instrument (a dermatoscope). The doctor sees the mole's inner structure, pigment pattern and blood vessels — features invisible to the naked eye. It is painless, takes a few minutes and needs no preparation.

People with many moles are advised to have mole mapping (digital dermoscopy): the moles are photographed and compared at the next visit, so even small changes are caught early. At the clinic this is done with the FotoFinder system.

When is a mole removed?

Not every mole needs removing. The doctor recommends removal if:

• dermoscopy shows suspicious features;
• the mole is changing;
• clothing, a belt or shaving keeps injuring it;
• the patient wants it removed for cosmetic reasons.

The removed tissue is sent for histology — the only way to know exactly what the mole is. A suspicious mole must never be burned off without histology: the diagnosis would be lost.

How to protect your moles

• Avoid long sun exposure between 11:00 and 16:00.
• Reapply SPF 30–50 sunscreen every 2 hours.
• Take special care to keep children from getting sunburnt.
• Avoid sunbeds.
• Check your skin once a month, including the scalp, palms, soles and under the nails.
• Never cut, burn or tie off moles yourself.

Mole checks in Fergana and Kokand

At Radeski Skin Clinic a dermato-oncologist examines moles with a dermatoscope, maps them when needed, removes a suspicious mole and sends it for histology.

• Mole check in Fergana;
• Mole check in Kokand;
• Dermoscopy in Fergana and in Kokand;
• in depth: Basal cell carcinoma — skin cancer.

Melanoma found at an early stage can usually be cured. A yearly mole check is the easiest way to make sure it is found early.