Is it a mole - or more?
Did you know that one in five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the U.S.? To decrease your risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, you should carefully check your moles once a month.
B is for borderless.
A is for asymmetry.
Atypical moles are asymmetrical or not evenly round.
Atypical moles are uneven around the edges.
C is for color.
Atypical moles don’t have consistent coloring throughout.
D is for diameter.
Moles shouldn’t be bigger than a pencil eraser.
See examples of atypical moles.
If your mole displays two or more of these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider who may refer you to a dermatologist.
Fairview offers complete dermatology services that treat skin, hair and nail conditions. The team includes surgeon Michael Campoli, MD, PhD, who is specially trained in removing skin cancers using Mohs surgery. Often cited as having the highest cure rate for skin cancers, Mohs surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis.
“Mohs is especially beneficial for patients who have skin cancer on their face and neck,” says Campoli. “During the procedure, we test skin samples as we remove the cancer to make sure we remove the cancerous cells, but leave the healthy skin. That way, we can minimize scarring.” Dr. Campoli also specializes in reconstructive surgery and repairs the wound immediately following the Mohs procedure.
If you have a concern about a mole, talk to your primary care provider or schedule an appointment with a dermatologist by submitting a request below or calling 855-Fairview toll-free, anytime.