How to distinguish a normal mole from a dangerous one?

If you're worried about the appearance of a consult with your dermatologist, because some moles may favor the emergence of a form of skin cancer called melanoma. It develops when melanocytes (pigment producing skin cells) multiply uncontrollably and invade other tissues. It can occur spontaneously as a cutaneous spot (such as moles) to grow new or existing within a sign. Usually, the areas most commonly affected are the legs and trunk in women, while men are more likely to develop melanoma on back, trunk, head or neck.

How to distinguish a normal mole from a dangerous?

There is a system called ABCDE can be helpful in the distinction between a normal mole and one that could be a melanoma:

* Asymmetry (Asymetria): one half of the mole is not the same as the other half;
* Borders: irregular borders;
* Color (color) is varied and uneven pigmentation and may contain shades of pigment-brown, black, pink, and sometimes areas with red, white or blue;
* Diameter (Diameter): melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm in diameter when diagnosed, but can sometimes be lower. If you notice a mole or other special mole that changes or sting or bleed, even if less than 6 mm, see a doctor;
* Evolution (Enlargement): change the characteristics of a mole, such as size, appearance or sensitivity to touch.

Usually, the doctor confirms the diagnosis of melanoma by skin biopsy of the lesion, and after you've done all the tests is to decide on treatment options. Choosing a treatment is made according to the stage of melanoma (cancer has invaded only the skin or spread to lymph nodes or other organs or tissues), the presence of ulceration and bleeding from the lesion, location and tumor size and overall health affected person.

Status is determined by measuring how deeply penetrated into the layers of skin melanoma if ulcerated (cracks or bleeding) and if / how far the metastatic (spread to the lymph nodes or other organs).