Monitoring your moles isn’t a dermatologist’s anxiety; it’s a real preventive reflex. Melanoma remains a serious skin cancer, but when detected early, treatment outcomes are markedly better. According to the latest data from the American Cancer Society, thousands of new cases of cutaneous melanoma are diagnosed in the United States each year, with men and women affected across ages. This cancer represents a portion of the overall new cancer diagnoses, underscoring the importance of vigilance.
For decades, the incidence of cutaneous melanoma has risen sharply. This progression is explained not only by repeated sun exposures, sunburns, and tanning beds, but also by better detection. Hence the importance of regularly monitoring your skin, not just the moles you already know.
Recognizing a dangerous mole using the ABCDE method
To spot a suspicious mole or a new spot that is changing, dermatologists recommend the ABCDE method. Easy to remember, it helps guide self-skin checks. It does not replace a medical opinion, but it helps you know when to seek care promptly.
The ABCDE method, what is it?
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It can appear on skin without a prior lesion or, more rarely, develop from an existing mole. That is why you should look at your entire skin, not only the moles you already know about.
The ABCDE method rests on five criteria to monitor:
- A for asymmetry: one half of the lesion does not match the other.
- B for irregular borders: the edges are blurred, jagged, poorly defined.
- C for color non-uniformity: the lesion shows multiple hues, for example brown, black, red, white, or blue.
- D for diameter: a lesion larger than 6 mm warrants attention, especially if it is evolving.
- E for evolution: the spot or mole changes in size, shape, color, itches, bleeds, or becomes painful.
The most important criterion is often evolution. A lesion that changes rapidly, appears suddenly, or does not resemble your other moles should lead you to a consultation.
How to examine your skin correctly?
Settle in a well-lit room, in front of a full-length mirror. Ideally, perform the check under the same conditions each time to better notice changes. The examination should be methodical: face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, back, arms, hands, legs, feet, soles, spaces between toes and nails.
Ask a friend or family member to help inspect hard-to-see areas, notably the back, the back of the legs, and the scalp. A handheld mirror can also assist in observing less accessible areas.
Good practice: taking dated photos of certain moles can help track their evolution. But these photos should not replace a medical consultation if a change worries you.
How often should you monitor your moles?
For the general population, a regular self-exam of the skin is recommended, especially before and after summer. For those at higher risk, the frequency should be defined with a healthcare professional. Some situations warrant heightened vigilance: many moles, personal or family history of melanoma, fair skin, repeated sunburns in childhood, or jobs/leisure activities with high sun exposure.
People with multiple risk factors may benefit from seeing a dermatologist once a year, or according to the schedule advised by their doctor. A dermatologist can examine the skin with a dermoscope and, if needed, propose photographic monitoring of lesions to watch.
Seeing a dermatologist: when should you book an appointment?
Don’t wait for the next annual visit if a lesion seems suspicious. A new spot, a mole that grows, changes color, bleeds, itches, or becomes painful should be shown promptly.
In case of suspicion, the dermatologist may decide to remove the lesion for laboratory analysis. This analysis is essential to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Cosmetic techniques such as lasers should be avoided on a suspicious mole, as they can hinder accurate analysis of the lesion.
Prevention campaigns and awareness efforts for targeted skin cancer screening are regularly organized by dermatologists. The modalities may vary from year to year: information, digital campaigns, posters, preventive appointments, or local actions. The simplest is to check the American Academy of Dermatology’s website or ask your doctor for guidance.
Sun safety: the primary prevention step
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main preventable risk factor for skin cancers. They’re dangerous not only at the beach but also in the city, in the garden, while cycling, hiking, or during outdoor meals. The sun doesn’t become harmless just because you carry a tote bag instead of a beach towel.
In summer, try to avoid sun exposure when UV is strongest, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in metropolitan France. Shade, protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses remain the most effective protections.
Sunscreen should complement, not replace, these protections. Choose a sunscreen appropriate for your skin, apply generously, reapply every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating. For children, very high protection, protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses are essential. Babies and young children should not be exposed directly to the sun.
Take-away
- Melanoma can appear on a mole, but also on a previously normal-looking skin.
- The ABCDE method helps identify a suspicious lesion.
- A changing, bleeding, itching, or color-changing lesion should be shown promptly.
- UV exposure is the main preventable risk factor for skin cancers.
- Sun protection starts with shade, clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
