Take a good look at your skin. You will probably see a number of moles—small clusters of pigment-producing skin cells. Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles, and some people, especially those with lighter skin, may even have many more.
Moles can change in size and appearance over the years, and in rare instances, a mole may become a melanoma, the most potentially deadly skin cancer.
If you don’t usually examine your moles or have a doctor check them periodically to determine whether they’re changing in ways that may signal a possible skin cancer. Only about 25 percent of people check their skin monthly and 17 percent have a skin check just once a year.
Should you or a doctor check your skin? If so, how often? Here’s what you need to know about changing moles and skin cancer risk.
Can any mole turn into a melanoma?
Common moles are those we’re born with or develop until about age 35- 40. They can change or even disappear over the years, and very rarely can become skin cancers. Some research suggests that having more than 50 common moles may increase one’s risk of melanoma.
More worrisome are so-called atypical moles ( dysplastic moles). They often appear during puberty but can pop up throughout life. They’re not skin cancers but can have some features of melanoma, such as irregular borders. While the vast majority of these never turn into melanomas, they are more likely than common moles to become cancerous. Having five or more atypical moles is linked to a higher than normal risk of “thick,” or more advanced, melanoma. (Many melanomas start as pigmented moles, but the two more common skin cancers, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, don’t. They arise on their own from normal skin.)
Why do some moles change to cancer? Genetics seems to play a role; melanoma can occur in areas that are usually shielded from sunlight, ultraviolet radiation also appears to be a significant factor.
75% of melanomas, however, don’t develop from exisiting moles. And rates of the cancer, which increase with advancing age, have been rising for at least 30 years. Unnoticed, melanoma can grow and spread quickly, so experts agree that finding it early is key.
Experts recommend that people at high risk should probably see a doctor for a skin check at least once a year. Those at very high risk, or with a history of melanoma, should be screened even more often.
I,portant skin cancer risk factors include a history of sunburns, fair skin, light eyes, red or blonde hair, a family history of melanoma, or a personal history of basal cell or squamous cell cancer. Screenings can also help pinpoint the latter two skin cancers, which are more common, but not as deadly as melanoma.
And if you spot new moles or are unsure whether a mole’s changes may be meaningful, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Melanomas are treatable at early stages.
