5 Signs that a mole should see a doctor

Melanoma is easily solved without consequences, if the time to notice a suspicious mole. Inspection will only take a few minutes if you know what to look for.

Melanoma is the third most common and the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Fortunately, in the early stages, it responds well to treatment, and manifests itself in the form of significant eye signs: birthmarks, blemishes and other marks on the skin. Of course, not every mole poses a threat. Here are a few simple rules that will help you to notice a potentially dangerous changes.

What to look for during the inspection of moles

1. Asymmetry. If one half of the mole is very different from the other, such a spot could be cancerous.
2. clear border. Diffuse moles circuit may be a sign of melanoma.
3. Colour. Check out the mole with a doctor if it is too dark or has a non-uniform color.
4. Diameter. Moles that are larger in size than the diameter of a pencil, should see a doctor. It is fair to say that melanoma is and the smaller size.
5. changes. If a mole has changed size, shape or color, it should be checked.

Left - examples might look like melanoma, and the right - healthy moles:

If you find at least one of these symptoms or if you are not sure is there any danger of your moles, consult a dermatologist. He can more accurately determine if you need additional testing. Do not attempt to put a diagnosis and do not make hasty conclusions.

How to reduce the risk of developing melanoma

The main thing that you can do - is to monitor the condition of the skin. Particular attention should be paid to the recently emerged and changed birthmarks. Ask your loved one to examine moles where you yourself do it inconvenient. So, a third of all cases of melanoma in men is recorded on the back.

The main cause of skin cancer - exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Too long exposure to the sun increases the risk of melanoma, especially in people with fair skin that is easily burns. However, swarthy not protected from the harmful effects of sunlight.

In the treatment of skin cancer plays a key role early diagnosis because it allows it to prevent the spread of the tumor. If remove cancerous mole early on chances of survival are increased to 98%.