When to Get Your Mole Checked

What are moles, and when do you have to worry about them?

Most people have moles, and most of the moles are harmless, but some of the moles may develop into melanoma, which is dangerous skin cancer. You have to get your moles examined regularly.

Once you find a mole that has changed in color, size, or appearance, visit your dermatologist, Dr. Marc Meulener of Choice Dermatology. Our offices are located in Basking Ridge, and Union, NJ, and we are also serving Morristown a d Elizabeth, NJ.

Moles are small, pigmented spots that come in many sizes, shapes, and colors and can be flat or raised off the skin.

Various types of moles are present and can be classified into the following categories:

  • Congenital moles: these are the moles that people are born with. They are classified into large, medium, and small moles. Moles greater than 6 mm have an increased risk of turning into skin cancer.
  • Acquired moles: the vast majority of moles are acquired (developed after birth). They are typically smaller than a pencil's eraser and have a symmetrical border and even pigmentation. Most acquired moles are considered safe, and they usually do not turn into skin cancer.
  • Atypical moles: also called (dysplastic nevi), have irregular borders, are asymmetrical, and often have multiple colors. The pigmentation is often uneven, and it can have focal darker areas. The atypical moles can be hereditary in families. The more atypical moles that a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma.

When to visit your dermatologist?

Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial as early detection increases your chances for cure. Contact Dr. Meulener, your Basking Ridge, Morristown, Elizabeth, and Union, NJ, dermatologist, to get your moles checked if you notice your moles have one of the following ABCDEs of melanoma:

  • Asymmetry: one half of your mole does not match the other half.
  • Border: the edges are irregular, poorly defined, or scalloped.
  • Color: the color is varied from one area to another, or it has shades of tan, brown, or black.
  • Diameter: melanoma is almost bigger than 6 mm in diameter when diagnosed.
  • Evolving: the mole changes in size, color, or shape, or symptoms like itching, tenderness, or bleeding appeared.

Do not hesitate to get your moles checked by your Basking Ridge, Morristown, Elizabeth, and Union, NJ, dermatologist, Dr. Meulener at Choice Dermatology. To make your appointment, Call (908) 766-7546 for your Basking Ridge, NJ, office, and (908) 355-0112 for the Union, NJ, office.

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