Mole checkups

Mole checkups

Today we discuss prevention and dermatologic check-ups for skin cancers.

Starting from the age of 25-30, dermatologists recommend periodic examinations, usually once a year, especially in individuals with a family history of skin cancer.

When should the visit be scheduled?

It is advisable to undergo mole screening in the autumn-winter period, or in any case when the skin is not tanned. Tanning thickens the stratum corneum, which can alter the characteristics of moles. Therefore, periodic check-ups should be planned when this factor is not present.

This rule clearly does not apply if a suspicious lesion appears, especially if newly developed, or if you notice the appearance of something unusual.

How does the visit take place?

The dermatologist examines pigmented and non-pigmented lesions first with the naked eye, then with a dermatoscope, a tool that provides magnification and allows the observation of details not visible clinically.

What is the difference between dermoscopy and digital mole mapping (videodermoscopy)?

The difference lies in the fact that mole mapping allows the digital acquisition of the image seen with the dermatoscope. This is particularly useful for suspicious or atypical lesions, since it allows more accurate classification and comparison during subsequent visits.

During the consultation dermatologists refer to the ABCDE rule

• A = asymmetry

• B = borders

• C = color

• D = diameter

• E = evolution

If a mole is congenital or has been present since early childhood, a growth corresponding to the growth of the body is considered normal. It is completely different when a newly-appearing lesion, especially after the age of 30, shows rapid and sudden enlargement.

Another strong warning sign that requires urgent dermatologic evaluation, regardless of routine checks, is when a mole “makes itself noticed”. Normally, we are not aware of the presence of moles on our skin; however, if we feel stabbing sensations, significant itching, or worse, if we observe sudden and spontaneous bleeding, these are important alarm signals that require urgent specialist assessment.

Risk factors for developing skin cancer include

• History of sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence

• Family history of skin cancer

• Fair skin phototype

• Presence of more than 20 moles

Periodic dermatologic prevention visits are essential for early diagnosis. Even in the case of the most serious skin cancer, melanoma, early detection drastically reduces mortality. And remember daily use of sunscreen.