Mole or Melanoma?
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If you have a small brown skin spot or growth, you might wonder if it’s a serious cancer or a normal mole.
Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, and it most often appears as an irregular, multicolored or brownish spot that continues to increase in size. It may begin as a flat spot and become raised. In more rare cases, it may be pink, red, normal skin color or other colors.
A mole is usually harmless, and is either flat or elevated, generally round and regularly shaped. Or it could be “atypical” and develop into a melanoma. Factors that indicate it could become cancerous include:
- Itching
- Pain
- Elevation
- Bleeding
- Crusting
- Oozing
- Swelling
- Persistent open sores
- Bluish-black coloring.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between an atypical mole and melanoma. If you have any of the warning signs, schedule an appointment with North Oaks Dermatology Associates at (985) 230-APPT [2778].
