Mole Money. Mole Problems.

Our Veterinarian explains how to spot a problematic mole from a moley-mole.

Courtesy of Iheartit.

So you’ve been staring at that mole for a while now and wondering if it could be cancer. Should you be worried? Do young people get melanoma? Well, maybe and yes. The Canadian Cancer Society reported 5000 new cases of melanoma last year and 940 attributable deaths with the numbers continually rising – and yet – the general advice about using sunscreens and avoiding tanning beds isn’t really changing behaviours. But now that you’ve got the mole, what are you looking for? Our analysis is performed using a simple mnemonic as follows:

A: ASYMMETRY. Is the mole symmetrical? Could it be divided into two equal halves that look the same?  Asymmetry indicates concern.

B: BORDER. Is the border smooth or irregular? Are the edges irregular, blotched or blurred which may indicate a problem.

C: COLOUR. Is it uniform or a mixture of brown, black, red, while or blue?

D: DIAMETER. Is it greater than 6mm or larger than a pencil eraser? Increase in size is an increase in problem. Very few melanomas are under 6mm. Any single parameter that applies would be relevant.

A change in a mole is always worth checking out with your doctor (e.g. bleeding or pigment change). Also, new moles that don’t fit the above criteria that are worrying you are worth getting a second opinion, but bear in mind that it is common to get new moles as a young adult.

If you were born with a mole that is larger than 1 cm and perhaps has irregular pigment or hair in it, then ask about possible removal as these moles have a higher incidence of becoming malignant.

Always look out for the ‘ugly duckling’; the mole that looks different from all the rest. It probably wont grow into a swan and needs to be removed from the nest.

Remember these ABCD’s and start checking out other people’s moles besides your own. Maybe you could save a life.

– The Veterinarian.