5 Alarming Signs Your Moles Could Be Deadly Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is more common than many realize, and its early signs can be surprisingly easy to miss. Sometimes it hides in plain sight, looking like just another harmless mole or a tiny skin change you wouldn’t think twice about. Most moles are harmless, but a few can turn into melanoma — the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Spotting the warning signs early can literally save your life, as catching melanoma in its earliest stages gives you the best shot at a full recovery.

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New mole

New moles that appear in adulthood can be a warning sign and shouldn’t be ignored. Unlike childhood moles, these may indicate skin changes worth checking. Regular self-exams help you spot new or unusual marks early. If a mole changes shape, color, or size, see a dermatologist promptly to rule out melanoma.

Color variations

Melanoma moles often exhibit uneven or multiple colors. While benign moles are usually a single, uniform shade of brown or tan, cancerous moles may display a mix of black, brown, tan, red, white, blue, or even gray within the same lesion. If you notice a mole that has developed multiple colors or has changed in pigmentation over time, it’s essential to get it checked by a dermatologist.

Bleeding or crusting

A mole that bleeds, crusts, or doesn’t heal can be a serious warning sign of melanoma or another type of skin cancer. Benign moles typically remain smooth and intact, while cancerous ones may develop scabs or cracks. Persistent bleeding or an inability to heal properly is a red flag, as healthy skin usually repairs itself quickly. Any mole showing these signs should be checked by a dermatologist without delay.

Asymmetry

Melanoma often presents as an asymmetrical mole, meaning one half looks different from the other. If you were to draw a line down the middle, the two halves wouldn’t match. In contrast, benign (non-cancerous) moles tend to have a balanced, uniform shape, where both sides mirror each other.

Asymmetry is something to keep an eye on. If you notice an irregular shape or a mole that appears lopsided, it’s important to have it evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Irregular borders

A mole with irregular, uneven, or blurred borders can be a warning sign of melanoma. Benign moles typically have smooth, well-defined edges, while cancerous ones often appear jagged, notched, or poorly defined, blending into the surrounding skin. These irregular borders occur because melanoma cells grow in an uncontrolled and disorganized manner, spreading into nearby tissue. Any mole with changing or unclear borders should be evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible.