Moles are common, especially for people with light skin. It is not uncommon for someone to have 10 to 40 on their body that appear in childhood, growing and changing throughout their life. While it's not unusual for moles to darken or lighten, some changes can be signs of melanoma. Here is a guide for characteristics to look out for and when you should consult your dermatologist. 

5 Changes in Moles That Can Be Problematic

1. Asymetry 

Symetry means if you were to cut an object in half, the two sides would be identical to one another. A cancerous mole is an asymmetrical shape. If one half does not match the other, let your dermatologist know so they can take a closer look. 

2. Borders 

A healthy mole will have a round border. Cancerous moles will usually have scalloped or poorly defined borders. If you notice irregular borders, this can be a sign of melanoma. 

3. Color 

Cancerous or pre-cancerous moles are more than one color. A healthy mole will be uniform in color regardless if it's brown, black, pink or tan. More than one color, like tan and brown, may not be an indicator of cancer, but it's best to let your doctor confirm it. 

4. Diameter

A healthy mole is usually smaller than a pencil tip eraser. A mole that is greater than 6 millimeters has a greater likelihood of developing melanoma. Cancerous cells may be growing, making the mole appear larger. However, a large mole does not necessarily mean it's cancerous. 

5. Evolving 

Any changes in size, shape, color, or appearance are important to take note of. This is especially true if you notice a new mole. Cancerous moles can have a hard or lumpy texture. They can also itch, ooze, and bleed. Perform regular self scans, so you know what your moles look like and will know the difference if they transform. 

When it comes to caring for your largest organ, you want to find a dermatologist you can trust. When residents in the Lincoln and Columbus, NE, areas are having skin troubles, they turn to Dr. Mark D. Heibel of Heibel Dermatology LLC. With more than 20 years experience, this skilled doctor treats a number of conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, dermatitis, vitiligo, acne, and skin cancer. If you have concerns about allergic conditions, hair loss, lesions, or rashes on your skin, hair, nails, mouth, and external genitalia, these medical professionals can help. To learn more about their skin services, visit the website. To schedule an appointment, call (402) 488-6969.