Consult with Dr. Suseela Narra in Issaquah, WA if you have moles that look concerning.
How Can You Tell if Moles Are Potentially Cancerous?
The vast majority of moles that you’ll find on your skin are completely harmless. They may be nothing more than clusters of skin cells that started growing too close to one another.
However, not all moles should be ignored. Some of them could be symptomatic of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
To determine if your mole is harmless or a sign of trouble, you need to evaluate its appearance.
Start by examining the color of the mole. Multi-colored moles are the most troubling.
Next, you should check the size and shape of the mole. Typically, larger moles are the ones most likely to be symptomatic of melanoma. The moles that do not look symmetrical similarly warrant concern. Moles that have odd features such as jagged edges and irregular protrusions deserve a closer look.
It’s also worth taking the time to check if your old moles look different. Moles that are not connected to skin cancer will maintain their appearance throughout their lengthy lifespan. If some of your moles have changed significantly, you may be dealing with something serious.
Lastly, you should be wary of any new moles that have emerged because they could be symptomatic of melanoma.
Allow Dr. Narra in Issaquah, WA to check your moles so you can determine if they are potentially dangerous or nothing worth worrying about.
What Can You Do to Prevent the Growth of Cancerous Moles?
Some of the moles you already have could become cancerous if you don’t take good care of your skin. Thankfully, there are easy steps you can take to prevent the emergence of cancerous moles.
First off, you need to develop a habit of keeping your skin shielded from the sun.
Remember to always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 whenever you head out during the daytime. You should also consider wearing accessories and clothes that can conceal your skin whenever you have to head out while the sun is at its peak.
This is also the time for you to drop your tanning habit if you have one. Undergoing regular tanning sessions could cause issues with your moles.
Also, it’s not a bad idea to consult with a dermatologist if your family has a history of skin cancer. Get examined early so you can prevent your potential case of melanoma from spreading.
Dial (425) 677-8867 and have Dr. Narra of Narra Dermatology and Aesthetics in Issaquah, WA carefully examine your moles to see if they are potentially cancerous.