It is important for patients to understand that moles are common, with almost everyone having a few and some people developing hundreds. Individuals with light skin tend to have more moles, with the average ranging from 10 to 40. Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, can develop within a mole.
When a person is born with a mole, the mole is called a congenital nevus. About one in 100 people are born with one or more moles, which can vary in size from small to large/giant. The large/giant congenital moles have been shown to carry a higher risk of developing into a melanoma.
When it comes to the skin, it may be hard to know when you need to make a visit to a board certified Dermatologist. Many skin conditions don’t produce unbearable pain or cause you to miss work. Knowing the early warning signs of skin cancer is imperative. If you notice that a mole or freckle has changed in size, shape, color, or texture or if you have developed a new irregular mole, book a visit with Bluewater Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center for a professional skin check. Early intervention could save your life.
At Bluewater Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we suggest patients schedule a yearly visit with us for a full body skin check. During this appointment we will look for suspicious areas on the skin, such as any new and changing moles. We also suggest a monthly at home self examine to monitor your skin for any changes.