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Wearing a sunscreen and limiting sun exposure may prevent some moles. Anyone who has moles should examine them every month and see a dermatologist if changes in size, shape, color, or texture occur or if new moles appear.
Anyone with a family history of melanoma should see a dermatologist for an annual skin examination. Everyone should know the ABCDs of melanoma:
- A: Asymmetry, which occurs when the two halves of the mole are not identical
- B: Borders that are irregular or indistinct
- C: Color that varies in a single mole
- D: Diameter, which should be no larger than the eraser on a pencil.
A mole exhibiting any of these characteristics should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
— Maureen Haggerty
