Keep an Eye on Your Moles

It is normal for an adult to have a few moles in various places on the body. Moles are generally harmless, but it is important to keep an eye on them. Changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole can be an indication of possible skin cancer. Regularly checking your skin, as well as periodic exams with a dermatologist, are helpful for detecting early signs of skin cancer. At Choice Dermatology, Dr. Marc Meulener is your dermatologist for skin cancer screening, treatment of skin conditions, and various cosmetic procedures such as botox in Elizabeth and Basking Ridge, NJ.

Possible Signs of Skin Cancer

There are many different types of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most deadly type and it tends to develop near moles. As with any type of cancer, early detection of Melanoma is helpful for beating it, which is why it is so important to keep an eye on your moles. Check your moles regularly for changes in their appearance, which can be an indication of melanoma or another type of skin cancer. Look for the following potential warning signs when checking your moles:

• The growth of new moles
• Changes in the color of existing moles
• Changes in the size or shape of existing moles
• Multiple colors within a mole, such as varying shades of brown, black or tan
• Asymmetrical appearance (one side of the mole does not match the other)
• Moles that are large in diameter (normal moles are about the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil)
• Itchy or scaly skin on or around the mole
• Moles that are painful or tender
• Oozing or bleeding from a mole

If you observe any of these warning signs in your moles, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can examine your skin and perform biopsies of any suspicious areas to determine if skin cancer is present. Early detection of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, can significantly improve the prognosis for beating it. If cancer cells are present, the dermatologist can make a treatment recommendation. Not only do dermatologists offer botox and othBotoxsmetic treatments, they also perform skin cancer screenings and treat some types of skin cancer.

Keep an eye on your moles and see a dermatologist if you observe the growth of new moles or changes in the size, shape, or color of existing ones, both of which can be signs of skin cancer. For skin cancer screenings, treatment of skin conditions, or cosmetic treatments such as botox in the Elizabeth area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Meulener by calling the Elizabeth office at (908) 355-0112 or our Basking Ridge office at (908) 766-7546.