Skin Cancer Warning Signs

It is quite common to have some moles on the skin. In fact, most adults have at least a few moles. Most of the time there is nothing to worry about, but there are times when you should see a dermatologist for a mole. Dr. Marc Meulener, the experienced dermatologist at Choice Dermatology in Union, and Basking Ridge, NJ, also serve the Morristown, and Elizabeth, NJ, areas and can examine your moles to screen for skin cancer and other concerns.

Skin Cancer Warning Signs

It is important that you are familiar with the moles on your skin and check them regularly for any changes. You should see a dermatologist if you notice a change in the shape, size, texture, color, or overall appearance of a mole. Changes in a mole are warning signs of possible skin cancer. There are several types of skin cancer, but melanoma commonly grows in or near a mole. Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer but can be successfully treated when caught early during a skin cancer screening.

A normal mole that is not cancerous should be one color. Brown is most common, but moles can also be black, tan, red, pink, blue, or colorless. Normal moles are also round in shape, flat or raised only slightly, and look the same over time.

Moles that are potentially cancerous can be identified by several distinct characteristics, such as:

  • Asymmetrical - One half of the mole looks very different from the other half.
  • Irregular Border -The mole has a poorly defined, irregular, or scalloped border.
  • Inconsistent Color - The color of the mole varies from one area to another.
  • Large Diameter - Moles that are larger than 6mm across could be cancerous.
  • Changes Over Time - Moles that change in size, texture, shape, color, or appearance from one month to the next could be cancerous.

In addition to seeing a dermatologist for any of the above concerns, you should also see the doctor if new moles have formed on the skin or if an existing mole is tender, painful, or begins bleeding. The skilled Elizabeth, NJ, dermatologists can check your moles for the presence of cancer.

Always see a dermatologist for a mole if the mole is new, asymmetrical, especially large, has an irregular border, is inconsistent in color, or has changed over time. Schedule a skin cancer screening with Dr. Meulener to have your moles checked by calling Choice Dermatology in Union, and Basking Ridge, NJ, also serving the Morristown, and Elizabeth, NJ, areas, at (908) 355-0112 or (908) 766-7546.

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Monday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

1x/month 8:30 am-12:30 pm

Sunday:

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