Normal butter versus dangerous moles, here's how to find out

Moles can appear because someone is a baby in adulthood. Even moles that have appeared can last a lifetime or change and then disappear.

Some mole changes are normal. But there are also changes that have the potential to indicate skin cancer. Therefore, you must learn to recognize that dangerous and normal moles are more alert.

Types of moles and their risks as dangerous moles

Moles are formed from the growth of melanocytes (skin-producing cells) that accumulate in small areas of the skin. There are several types of moles that can form:

1. Congenital moles

Also called birthmarks, congenital moles have different sizes, shapes and colors. But in general, this mole is small, round, can be flat or slightly raised, and the color can be black, light brown and dark, and red.

If the size of a mole is large, the risk is higher to become a dangerous mole in adulthood. Therefore, changes in size, shape and color of large birthmarks must be checked by a doctor.

2. ordinary moles

A light-skinned person can have 40 moles all over his body. This type of mole appears after birth until a person is 20 years old. The characteristics of this mole usually include:

Round or oval.
Flat or slightly emerging from the surface of the skin.
The surface of a mole can be smooth or rough, and sometimes covered with hair.
Small size and no change.
Consists of one color. Can be black, brown, red, pink or bluish

Those who have more than 50 normal moles, will be at higher risk of developing skin cancer.

3. atypical moles

Atypical moles are moles whose appearance is considered ugly. Unlike ordinary moles, these moles have the following characteristics:

Irregular shape.
Rough surface.
The size is large, usually more than 6 millimeters.
The color is mixed, usually brown and red.

Although atypical moles rarely appear on the face, this type is more likely to be a dangerous mole. This mole can increase the risk factors for melanoma skin cancer, especially if you have more than four atypical moles and have a family history of skin cancer.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing atypical moles. From the aging process, bright skin color, family history of atypical moles, frequent exposure to the sun, genetic mutations and reactions to the use of certain drugs.

New moles that appear in adulthood (especially after age 25) are more likely to turn into dangerous moles. Medical studies have even revealed that 70% of melanoma skin cancer cases begin with the appearance of new moles in adulthood.

Aside from age, moles that look different from those in your body have the potential to turn into cancer. Also check and observe the appearance of moles on areas of the skin that are often exposed to sunlight. For example the face, neck, ears, hands and feet.

Apply the ABCDE principle to identify dangerous moles

To distinguish between normal moles and dangerous moles, remember the ABCDE principle. What exactly is this ABCDE principle?

Asymmetry: Dangerous moles will have an asymmetrical shape. This can be half the shape is different from the other half.
Borders: Dangerous moles have blurred and uneven edges on the skin.
Color: Dangerous moles are not a single color. Colors can be mixed between brown, black, red and even white.
Diameter: The size of a dangerous mole is usually greater than 0.5 cm.
Evolution: Mole undergo changes in shape, size and color.

Seek medical attention immediately if ABCDE symptoms appear on your mole. The doctor will take a tissue sample (biopsy) of the mole to determine whether this mole is really dangerous.

If detected quickly, the action taken is to remove a mole and a little skin around it to prevent it from turning into cancer. However, dangerous moles can expel in the same skin or in other areas. For this, we must stay alert.