Dr James Wilson, a London-based oncologist, recently highlighted the essential warning signs of malignant moles and exposed a common misconception about what “normal” looks like. Speaking on the Dr Hilary Show amid rising melanoma cases in the UK, Dr Wilson urged everyone to regularly examine their moles carefully, following the well-known ‘ABCDE’ checklist to identify potential skin cancer early.
He emphasized, “If you notice any changes in a mole, use the ABCDE checklist to guide you.” Here’s what each letter stands for:
- A – Asymmetry: If one half of a mole doesn’t match the other, get it checked.
- B – Border: Irregular, blurry, or scalloped edges can be a warning sign.
- C – Colour: Contrary to popular belief, melanomas don’t always darken—they can also become paler or show unusual shades such as pink, white, or blue.
- D – Diameter: Moles larger than the eraser on the end of a pencil warrant medical evaluation.
- E – Evolution: Any change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms like itching or bleeding needs urgent attention.
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Dr Wilson stressed the importance of the colour factor, particularly because some melanomas, known as amelanotic melanomas, do not produce the dark pigment melanin. This means they can appear colorless or faintly tinted and are often mistaken for harmless scars or benign marks. According to experts at the City of Hope Cancer Centre in the US, these amelanotic melanomas are particularly aggressive and fast-spreading because they lack the typical dark coloration that often triggers concern.
“These melanomas can easily be confused with other skin conditions such as basal or squamous cell carcinomas or even scars, which makes early diagnosis challenging but crucial,” Dr Wilson explained.
The NHS Inform also endorses the ABCDE checklist for checking suspicious moles and advises anyone concerned about their skin to consult their GP promptly.
Remember, vigilance could save your life. Regular self-exams, awareness of subtle changes, and swift professional advice are key components in early melanoma detection.