How can i tell if i have skin cancer, wart or just a regular mole?

See your doctor: This is not an issue for self diagnosis. In some cases examination even by an experienced doctor may not be sufficient, and a biopsy and microscopic study of the lesion by a pathologist may be required.

Get it examined: There are different types of skin cancer, which have different appearances. In general, any lesion which is getting larger in size is concerning. Ulceration, bleeding and itching are other concerning signs. Pain is usually not present, unless the cancer is large. Melanomas can be identified by the abcd's. I don't have room for that here. Get it checked out by your pcp or dermatologist.

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.