How can i tell if an existing mole is melanoma?

See your doctor: Only your doctor can definitively diagnose a melanoma. This will usually involve a biopsy. But you may be suspicious about a mole if it changes over time in terms of shape, edges, color, or size. Any suspicious, new, or changing moles should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

See your doctor: The only way to tell if a mole is melanoma is to see your doctor and possibly get a biopsy.

See a dermatologist: Definitely seek the opinion of your dermatologist. There are many mimics of melanoma. Luckily most existing moles do not evolve into melanoma. That said, most dermatologists will biopsy moles that have changed. "change" can mean it's color, size, shape, symptoms of itchiness, or even history of bleeding.

See a dermatologist: Spots that don't heal, bleeds, changes in size, color, or grows rapidly may be signs of skin cancer. The best way to diagnose a melanoma is to see your dermatologist. He or she will examine the spot and determine if a skin biopsy is necessary. Fortunately most moles are not melanoma.

ABCD: The abcd's can tell if you have a lesion concerning for melanoma: a-asymmetry. B-irregular border, c-different colors within the mole, d-diameter >6mm. If you have any concerns, see your dermatologist.

There is change!: Many people have moles. There are also individuals who have many funny looking moles. If you have a family history of melanoma, history of severe sunburns even as a child, or have many moles you need to see a dermatologist. The signs that may alert you to a suspicious mole include the abcde's, but i recommend seeing a board certified dermatologist, so that you can go over your moles together.

Melanoma from a mole: You can't always tell when something is a melanoma but if you look for the warning signs and see a dermatologist when you notice these changes, you are taking good care of yourself. Look for sudden growth in a preexisting mole, any bleeding, change in shape, new border, asymmetry, multiple color hues, itching or pain in the mole, increase in size, etc. See a dermatologist for a total body check.

ABCD's: Remember your abcd's when thinking of melanoma. Look for moles with asymmetry boarders that are irregular color differences within the same mole diameter greater than 6mm also any new mole or old that starts to itch, bleed or ulcerate should be of concern. Another rule is the ugly duckling rule. Which refers to a mole that looks distantly different from the others on your body.