Moles that are not good are those that display unusual characteristics, particularly in color.
Here's a breakdown of what to look for:
Moles are generally harmless skin growths that are brown, tan, or flesh-colored. However, some moles can be atypical and potentially cancerous. It's crucial to monitor moles for any changes and consult a dermatologist if you notice anything concerning.
Here's what makes a mole potentially "not good":
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Unusual Coloring: Moles that contain spots of red, blue, white, or grey could be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This is a deviation from the typical brown, tan, or flesh tones and warrants attention.
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The "ABCDEs" of Melanoma: While the reference text only explicitly mentions color, it's vital to understand the ABCDEs of melanoma detection, which include:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, blurred, or notched.
- Color: The mole has uneven colors or shades of brown, black, and sometimes red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about 1/4 inch) in diameter, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or a new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting appears.
If a mole exhibits any of the above characteristics, it should be examined by a dermatologist. Early detection and treatment of melanoma are crucial for a positive outcome.
