Signs That Could Indicate You Are At Risk of Melanoma

Most people know to avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hotter, summer months. However, it is important to ensure that you are mindful of direct sun exposure all year round since Australia's climatic conditions make it prone to higher levels of direct ultraviolet exposure as compared to other countries. It should be noted that not all spots, moles or discolourations on your body are harmful. Some may simply be due to excessive tanning whereas others may be genetic. Nonetheless, it is essential to be familiar with your skin so that you can easily spot any new developments. So what are some of the signs that could indicate that you are at risk of melanoma and should get a skin cancer check?

The colour of the mole

Whether you have a few or numerous moles on your body, one common characteristic that they will have is they all appear to have the same complexion. This colour is usually a hue of brown that makes the mole stand out. If you find that you are developing moles that have different colours, it would be advisable to seek the services of a dermatologist. The colour of these new moles could range from white, blue and even black. You should also be wary of colour changes within one mole as this could also be a sign of melanoma.

The border of the mole

The second physical characteristic to look out for would be the appearance of the border of the mole. A normal mole that does not pose any health risks will tend to have distinct edges, making it easy for you to differentiate between where the mole starts and your skin ends. If the mole poses the risk of melanoma, you will find that its edges will be uneven, making it seem to have blurred margins around it. As the mole spreads, the less distinguishable its borders will be.

The symmetry of the mole

One of the first ways that you can make a distinction between a regular mole and a cancerous mole is the symmetry of the mark. Normal moles are symmetrical, which means if they are to be split in half, they will have identical pieces. Cancerous moles, on the other hand, are usually asymmetrical because the mole is not developing uniformly. Thus, it will not grow evenly. It is important to undergo a skin cancer check to be on the safe side, rather than wait for the cells to keep multiplying.

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