We screen a lot of moles at Salus, and the ones that matter are almost always found by the patient or their partner first. Once a month, in good light, in front of a mirror, takes five minutes. Here is what to look for.
ABCDE
Asymmetry — one half does not match the other. Border — ragged, notched or blurred edges. Color — more than one shade, especially black, blue or red inside a brown mole. Diameter — larger than a pencil eraser, about a quarter inch. Evolving — anything that has changed in size, shape, color or height, or that has started to itch, crust or bleed. One letter is a reason to book; ‘E’ on its own is enough.
The ugly duckling
Most people’s moles look like siblings. The one that looks different from all the others — darker, flatter, rougher, simply not part of the family — deserves a look even if it fails every ABCDE test. Dermatologists use this trick constantly.
Photograph it properly
Photograph the mole with a coin next to it for scale, in daylight, from straight above, and save the photo with the date. Next year’s photo taken the same way is worth more than any description. Bring both to your appointment; our dermatoscopy report will be in your portal the same day.
