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i know that moles or other skin abnormalities are sometimes skn cancer, but is there any wy to be sure?

2007-08-27 00:54:28 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health Diseases & Conditions Skin Conditions

19 answers

How Can You Tell If A Mole Is Cancerous (Malignant melanomas)?

Although most skin growths are not cancer, it's important to check with the doctor about new growths or changes in old growths. When growths become cancerous, they may change in size or color, or become sores that do not heal.

Doing a regular skin self-examination is a good way to monitor the skin for early symptoms of skin cancer. Skin self examination is especially important for people who have had skin cancer. It can detect new cancers, and recurrences of past cancer, at an early and most curable stage.

Malignant melanomas usually form on the trunk (the area of the body between the neck and the hips) or legs. These areas don't get constant sun exposure. Rather, they are areas that get periodic intense exposure and sun burn.

-Melanomas may form from an existing mole a small usually dark skin growth that develops from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. or freckle, or begin to grow from a normal-appearing area of the skin.

-Moles and freckles are usually light to dark brown and have a clear-cut edge or border.

-Melanomas usually are multi-colored. The may combine different shades of brown and black, sometimes with areas of red, white or blue.

-They often have an irregular or uneven border.

-They may sometimes bleed.-

2007-08-27 01:04:18 · answer #1 · answered by Jayaraman 7 · 2 0

Even physicians won't be right 100% of the time. But some of the things they might look at are: Do you have history of skin cancer, or cancer in your family? Do you spend time outside a lot (work or recreation)?

A physician might look at the boarders of the mole itself--is it irregular? Is it endurated, meaning it feels like a bump? Is it bleeding or oozing fluid?

A big issue would be that the mole is growing or recently discovered?

If you answered yes, to the last question, you might want to consider bring up the question to a physician, who can look at more than just the mole, but other possible concerns that are not noted in your email, but might impact on the assessment.

If you answered yes, to any of the other questions, you should also point out the mole to a physician during an exam or visit.

Moles are not usually a reason to go to the ER. While there might be a short wait for an appointment, you shouldn't procrastinate either.

THIS IS A BONE FIDE OPINION AND IS NOT A MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS. I AM NOT LIABLE FOR YOUR DECISION TO FOLLOW OR NOT FOLLOW MY WORDS ABOVE. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

2007-08-27 01:04:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

I have a history of this variety of skin melanoma in my family. It's referred to as melanoma. Its quite simple rather, to determine them. If they're flat and black, you must get them checked out and most likely eliminated. It's beautiful easy outpatient procedure. I've had a couple of of them done. The most important things are: it's continually flat, not a bumpy mole that grows in dimension. You need to just preserve an eye on any that you simply suspect. Watch the dimensions of it to peer if it is developing or now not. As a observe, that sort of melanoma is non-aggressive (way it grows slowly) and consequently, you need to try to trap it previous. Slow developing cancers do not respond to chemo as well as aggressive cancers. Seems adore it will have to be the other way round, however its now not. It takes years for it to develop big ample to be a threat, however when its a danger, you might be in tremendous difficulty, since it is hard to manipulate in the later phases. However it's particularly effortless to hold on prime of these matters by simply regularly checking over your self. Also get common assess ups. And if you have a household historical past of it, I advocate that you find out about it from whoever on your family knows about it, to give you further know-how you can use. I am hoping this helps. Excellent success and excellent well being!

2016-08-04 12:52:33 · answer #3 · answered by lindholm 4 · 0 0

A biopsy or a FNAC (Fine needle aspirate culture) is a sure test to detect malignant cells if present.But remember,99% of moles are benign and not malignant.First, since how long the mole is there.Are there major changes in skin in and around it.Is there any underlying hard nodules below it etc.I am sure it is not cancerous,but to weed out your suspecion check up with a physician.

2007-08-27 01:04:07 · answer #4 · answered by MrKnow_All 4 · 0 0

If the mole is an abnormal shape, color, size or some parts of it are darker than others, then you should consider going to the doctor so he/she can check it for you. Only the doctor can tell you if it is cancerous.

2007-08-30 20:10:48 · answer #5 · answered by LD 4 · 0 0

Safely & Permanently Remove Moles, Warts and Skin Blemishes

2016-05-17 07:46:28 · answer #6 · answered by Elizabeth 4 · 0 0

Usually, moles are not harmful unless they become "puffy" or swollen-looking. If the mole feels firm and isn't wrinkly, but is just sticking out from the skin, it is usually not a sign of developing cancer. Watch the mole to see if it grows. If it grows quickly, go see a doctor immediately.

2007-08-27 01:01:59 · answer #7 · answered by Nick 2 · 1 1

You have to ask your doctor for a biopsy, that's the only reliable way. As a rule of thumb, if you were born with this mole, it's unlikely to get cancerous.

2007-08-27 01:00:32 · answer #8 · answered by Belzetot 5 · 1 0

a biopsy done by a dermatologist is the only surefire way to rule out cancer

some warning signs are

-the mole changes shape or increases in size
-it begins to drain liquid or bleeds
-if bleeding, it's hard to stop and occurs frequently.

if you notice any of the above signs, make an appt to see your family dr to get a referral for a dermatologist.

2007-08-27 01:02:34 · answer #9 · answered by prncessang228 7 · 2 0

The only way to determine for certain if a mole is cancerous is to have it biopsied.

And by the way - go to a DERMATOLOGIST not a family doctor.

2007-08-27 01:02:02 · answer #10 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 1 0

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