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Checking moles/risk of skin cancer etc
What with all the stuff thats been in the media recently about the risk of skin cancer etc, Im feeling slightly paranoid at the moment
In the past I have used sunbeds (I dont anymore and havent for a while) so I know Ive put myself at risk. And Im not looking for a lecture please so dont bother. However Im really careful in the sun or when I go on holiday, I always wear sun protection but Im not particularly pale so I dont burn anyway
Problem now is that Im worried about moles and how to spot anything that might be at risk. I do have quite a few moles but I havent got a clue what I should be looking for or any other 'danger' signs etc.
What should I be looking for when checking them?? Is there anything else I should be looking out for?
This whole thing has left me feeling really paranoid/worried, Im sure Im not the only one
In the past I have used sunbeds (I dont anymore and havent for a while) so I know Ive put myself at risk. And Im not looking for a lecture please so dont bother. However Im really careful in the sun or when I go on holiday, I always wear sun protection but Im not particularly pale so I dont burn anyway
Problem now is that Im worried about moles and how to spot anything that might be at risk. I do have quite a few moles but I havent got a clue what I should be looking for or any other 'danger' signs etc.
What should I be looking for when checking them?? Is there anything else I should be looking out for?
This whole thing has left me feeling really paranoid/worried, Im sure Im not the only one
Reply 1
As far as I am aware the changes or signs you are supposed to look for are spreading and uneven edges/growth. Also changes in colour (not necessarily all over, dark patches appearing for example), and itching.
Ive also heard that for females moles on the legs imparticular should be watched, although im not sure how true that is.
Ive also heard that for females moles on the legs imparticular should be watched, although im not sure how true that is.
They could get larger, change colour (all over or partially), the edges could get uneven or they could become more raised from the surface of the skin. In any case if you have one which 'looks funny' don't hesitate to get it checked out, my best friend only got burned once in his life and he had to have two removed from his back.
Reply 4
I have a lot of moles too, especially on my abs and back. I went to a doctor to see them and he told me that under no circumstances should I lie in the sun, and I find that a bit difficult coz I really want a bit of tan in the summer. Also, he told me to watch out for the moles that are not grown, but rather flat. He was particularly scared when he saw one that was flat and was sorrounded by skin that had a different colour than the rest of it (it was whiter). I think we should both listen more to what the doctors have to say about this because I've heard of a lot of cases of skin cancer lately, and it really got me thinking.
Reply 5
I had a large mole on my back since i was a kid and never had a problem.
However it did begin to grow and became slightly raised. I went to the doctors for another reason, where i had to take my top off and she was concerned about it
I had it removed surgically to be sure, turned out it was ok
Left big ass scar tho
If they grow or raise above the skin, just go to the doctors to get them checked out
Also a doctor will be able to tell u personally what u should look for or what risks there are.
The media love to blow things out of proportion so just see the ones who know for real.
However it did begin to grow and became slightly raised. I went to the doctors for another reason, where i had to take my top off and she was concerned about it
I had it removed surgically to be sure, turned out it was ok
Left big ass scar tho
If they grow or raise above the skin, just go to the doctors to get them checked out
Also a doctor will be able to tell u personally what u should look for or what risks there are.
The media love to blow things out of proportion so just see the ones who know for real.
Reply 6
I have a few moles that I was very worried about but I went to the doctor the other day and was told they are fine. I think the media does scare people a bit but in some cases it is certainly a good thing.
i went to the docs about 3 of mine, 2 which are flat but quite big and 1 which is raised and that i have had since i can remember. i got worried about my raised 1 as it had a lighter bit of skin around it that was raised but the doc said that that was a sign that it was benign and was unlikely to turn into skin cancer (she was the moleyest doc i've ever seen so she knew how i was feeling)lol and the 1 on my back she said had an uneven edge but it was all the same colour so it was ok. so i went home feeling good. she told me that the media do scare us with things like this too much and that people in like africa have lower anxiety levels because they don't know these risks that we do. she said to not worry too much about them but just keep them covered up with cream 
Reply 8
Seek help if:-
The mole suddenly or continuously gets larger.
The skin around a mole becomes red or develops coloured blemishes or swellings.
A mole that was flat or slightly elevated increases in height rapidly.
A smooth mole develops scaliness, erosion or oozing. Crusting, ulceration or bleeding are signs of more advanced disease.
Itching is the most common early symptom - there may also be feelings of tenderness or pain. Skin cancers however are usually painless. If your mole does itch, check if it is in an area wher eit might be rubbed - i.e. bra strap, belt etc.
"people in like africa have lower anxiety levels because they don't know these risks that we do"
- people in africa have lower risks of skin cancer fullstop due to the protection from their darker skin, plus they have more than enough to worry about what with HIV, malaria, TB, finding fresh drinking water, famine, war etc.
The mole suddenly or continuously gets larger.
The skin around a mole becomes red or develops coloured blemishes or swellings.
A mole that was flat or slightly elevated increases in height rapidly.
A smooth mole develops scaliness, erosion or oozing. Crusting, ulceration or bleeding are signs of more advanced disease.
Itching is the most common early symptom - there may also be feelings of tenderness or pain. Skin cancers however are usually painless. If your mole does itch, check if it is in an area wher eit might be rubbed - i.e. bra strap, belt etc.
"people in like africa have lower anxiety levels because they don't know these risks that we do"
- people in africa have lower risks of skin cancer fullstop due to the protection from their darker skin, plus they have more than enough to worry about what with HIV, malaria, TB, finding fresh drinking water, famine, war etc.
Reply 9
Carpediemxx
I had a large mole on my back since i was a kid and never had a problem.
However it did begin to grow and became slightly raised. I went to the doctors for another reason, where i had to take my top off and she was concerned about it
I had it removed surgically to be sure, turned out it was ok
Left big ass scar tho
If they grow or raise above the skin, just go to the doctors to get them checked out
Also a doctor will be able to tell u personally what u should look for or what risks there are.
The media love to blow things out of proportion so just see the ones who know for real.
However it did begin to grow and became slightly raised. I went to the doctors for another reason, where i had to take my top off and she was concerned about it
I had it removed surgically to be sure, turned out it was ok
Left big ass scar tho
If they grow or raise above the skin, just go to the doctors to get them checked out
Also a doctor will be able to tell u personally what u should look for or what risks there are.
The media love to blow things out of proportion so just see the ones who know for real.
the back always leaves big scars unfortunately.
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