You Have a Large or Colorful Mole
Almost everyone has a few moles, on average, anywhere from 10 to 45 of them. Most moles appear during childhood and adolescence, but it’s not uncommon to find new ones up until the age of 40. A mole is a dark brown spot on the skin caused by clusters of pigmented cells.
Moles are generally benign; however, if your moles are large or colorful it could mean that you have melanoma – the most common type of skin cancer. It can be difficult to determine if a mole is harmful on your own, however there are some signs that you can look for. Apply the A-B-C-D rule. Asymmetry, the mole should be symmetrical and round. Border, moles should not be irregularly shaped. Color, does the hue of the mole change across its surface. Diameter, anything larger than a pencil eraser can be worrisome. If you notice any of these signs it’s important to get checked out by a dermatologist to rule out anything serious.
