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Moles are incredibly common—most people have between 10 and 40 of them scattered across their skin. While the majority are harmless, some can be early signs of skin cancer, including melanoma, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to know your skin and have a dermatologist examine any spots that look unusual. Early detection can make all the difference.
When it comes to moles, the “ABCDE” rule is a great tool to remember. A stands for Asymmetry—if one half of the mole looks different from the other, that’s a red flag. B is for Border—watch out for edges that are irregular, blurred, or jagged. C is for Color—multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within the same mole should be checked. D stands for Diameter—moles larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) can be concerning, though smaller moles can also be suspicious. Finally, E is for Evolving—any mole that changes in size, shape, or color over time needs professional evaluation.
It’s also important to pay attention to moles that itch, bleed, or develop a crust, even if they don’t meet the ABCDE criteria. These symptoms can be signs of abnormal cell growth. If you notice a mole that stands out as looking different from the rest—often called the “ugly duckling” sign—schedule a skin check right away.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and protecting it should be a priority. Annual full-body skin exams with a dermatologist can catch problems early and give you peace of mind. Between visits, keep an eye on your skin, use sunscreen daily, and don’t ignore spots that concern you. Remember: when it comes to suspicious moles, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.