when is it necessary to get moles checked??

Question

like, what are the signs???? for skin cancer,i mean??
i should also mention that it runs in my family!!!

Answer 1

When they are asymmetrical in shape (the two sides don't match)

When they change color, size or shape.

more mole information from net doctor:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/skinandhair/204472.html

Answer 2

Got this from webmd.com:
The following ABCDEs are important characteristics to consider when examining your moles. If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist. It could be cancerous.

Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.
Border. The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
Color. The color of the mole is not the same throughout or has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red.
Diameter. The diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
Elevation.A portion of the mole appears elevated, or raised from the skin.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. The most common location for melanoma in men is the back and in women, it is the lower leg. Melanoma is the most common cancer in women ages 25 to 29.

Answer 3

I would say get checked if:

1.) The mole(s) popped up out of nowhere
2.) Are colored funny (multiple colors or something)
3.) Have irregular boarders
4.) Have a funny feeling to them
5.) Cause pain
6.) Simply to relax your mind being that it runs in your family

If you google skin cancer a lot of sites will come up, and some of them actually show you what a typical cancer growth for the most common types of skin cancer looks like. good Luck! :-)

Answer 4

You should have a baseline, where a dermatologist examines them and documents what they look like for future exams.

If it runs in the family (cancer) I suggest you have this done soon just to be safe and take all necessary precautions to protect your skin (a good SPF when you go out, limit exposure, etc.).

Answer 5

it depends where u live , i live in australia , spend a lot of time surfing and in the sun , so i get checked out every 6 months by a dermatologist just to be safe. 6months to a year i think dermotologists reccomend , and let you doctor know that it runs in the family.

You should also look for changes in size , color and shape of the actual mole

prevention is better then cure always remember to wear a good sun screen , even on cloudy days UV rays still pass through cloud cover.

Answer 6

Any change in size or color, or unusual onset of itching. Melanomas generally have slightly irregular borders and are somewhat varigated in color. Basal and squamous cell cancers often present as sores that do not heal.

With your family history, it would be good to have your skin checked annually or more often by a dermatologist.

Answer 7

GET IT CHECKED OUT ASAP! even if it's just a little one that looks harmless, you should find out and just make sure. you don't want to take that chance. skin cancer runs in my family as well, and i'm very careful about that kind of stuff. see a dermotologist soon.

Answer 8

you should go if you see moles getting bigger, forming where one wasnt before, or discoloring, and yes it would be a good idea to inform the doctor of previous skin cancer in your family

Answer 9

If the edges are uneven it is probably a melanoma. In other words if it is not circular or oval. A dermatologist can do a biopsy to determine if it is malignate(bad) or benign. If you have any doubts see a dermatologist.

Answer 10

I believe that you should get moles checked if they:

1) change color
2) change size
3) change shape
4) change texture
5) are unusually large to begin with