Moles or Skin Cancer: How to Tell the Difference

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Change is Not Good 

Changes in moles or new growth may be a sign of melanomas, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. If a mole or growth seems to be growing or changing in any way, it could be cancerous. If a spot changes, itches, bleeds or is raw and doesn't heal, this may also be red flag. 

Know Your ABCDEs 

There are simple ways to spot troublesome moles or lesions, and this simple acronym can help you remember. Make sure you know your ABCDEs: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving. 

Asymmetry is an unevenness of the mole. If you draw a line through the middle of the spot, it should be symmetrical, or the same on both sides. If it's not the same on both sides, the mole is asymmetrical and may be cancerous. 

Borders of a normal mole or freckle are usually even. The borders of an early melanoma tend to be crooked or scalloped. Keep an eye out for strange edges in your spot because this may be a sign of cancer.