Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can often be recognized by its appearance. A changing mole is an important warning sign that a melanoma could be developing. Moles that have changes in color or borders, bleeding and itching, or that concern you, are all reasons for biopsy. Consult a dermatologist immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit:

Asymmetry - or an irregular shape of a mole

Borders - that are irregular

Color - within the mole that is variable or very dark

Diameter - larger than a pencil eraser

Evolution - A mole that increases in size, changes shape or color, itches or bleeds also is suspicious. The diagnosis is confirmed by doing a biopsy of all or part of the mole.

Biopsy:

A simple outpatient surgical procedure where a piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope. This microscopic examination is essential for the diagnosis of melanoma. The subsequent treatment is based on the thickness (depth) of the cancer, the location, and the presence or absence of melanoma elsewhere in the body.

Published by:
Huntsman Cancer Institute

Related Cancer Topics:
Mole , Skin self-examination

Related Cancer Types:
Melanoma, Skin Cancer, Non-Melanoma

Last Reviewed: June 9, 2009