When should I see a Dermatologist for a mole?

There are a number of things we can do at home to help ensure we are vigilant and stay ahead of our health, but many may wonder…when should I see a Dermatologist for a mole?We know it’s tough to make it in to a million doctors appointments, but if caught early, most skin cancers are completely curable. The incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has steadily increased for the past 30 years, and is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29. The American Cancer Society recommends a skin cancer-related checkup and counseling about sun exposure as part of any periodic health examination for men and women beginning at age 20. Here are a couple of tips to look for at home, so you can take charge of your own health and be proactive when checking yourself on a regular basis.

Many of you may have heard of the ABCDE’s of checking moles. If you haven’t, here’s the breakdown:

A- Asymmetrical shape (if one side doesn’t look like the other)

B- Border (if the border looks irregular or isn’t smooth)

C- Color (the presence of more than one color in a mole, or uneven distribution)

D- Diameter (Greater than 6mm in diameter)

E- Evolution (changes in color or size)

Another easy thing to note are symptoms of the mole itself. How long has it been there? Does it hurt? Does it bleed? Have you noticed it change over time? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, or you’re just uncertain, it is always best to get a professional to take a look at it. Dr. George along with our four other highly qualified physicians assistants are available for full skin check appointments Monday through Friday. Schedule your today!