Melanoma: When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Moles

Q: Melanoma: When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Moles

Patient： 35-year-old male is considering whether to go to the nearby Cathay General Hospital for treatment and is unsure about the urgency of the situation. <br><br>A： It is not urgent; he can wait unless there is a noticeable increase in size or change in color, at which point h

Questions about melanoma?

Hello, doctor.
I visited a dermatology clinic today and inquired about a mole on my body.
It is about the size of a BB pellet, appearing relatively round to the naked eye, but upon closer inspection, the edges are not perfectly smooth.
Its diameter is approximately 4mm (though the skin in that area is a bit loose, and it can stretch to about 5mm).
The mole is a deep brown color, but there are some darker speckles in the center, and I can feel a slight elevation in the black areas when I touch it.
I believe this mole has been with me since high school, which is about 20 years, but before learning about melanoma, I never monitored its changes, so I can't recall if it was larger or smaller in the past.
A young doctor examined it and mentioned that it is larger than 6mm and has slightly irregular edges, advising me to monitor its development.
(When I measured it at home, it was 4-5mm.) To me, it looks like an ordinary mole and does not resemble the melanoma images I found online, which typically show very exaggerated irregular edges.
I am now considering whether to go to a nearby Cathay Hospital for further evaluation, but I am unsure about the urgency of this situation.
Additionally, should I schedule an appointment with dermatology, oncology, or plastic surgery? Thank you.

Niu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/08

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Patient: 35-year-old male is considering whether to go to the nearby Cathay General Hospital for treatment and is unsure about the urgency of the situation.

A: It is not urgent; he can wait unless there is a noticeable increase in size or change in color, at which point he should see a doctor promptly.
Additionally, should he see a dermatologist, an oncologist, or a plastic surgeon?
A: He should see a dermatologist, but if he is considering removal, he can also consult a plastic surgeon.

Reply Date: 2020/04/08

More Info

When it comes to understanding skin moles, particularly in the context of melanoma, it's crucial to recognize the characteristics that warrant medical attention. Based on your description, you have a mole that is approximately the size of a BB pellet (4-5 mm), with some irregularities in its color and edges. While it may appear benign at first glance, there are specific features that can indicate a higher risk for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

Characteristics of Concern
1. Size: Moles larger than 6 mm are often flagged as potentially concerning, but smaller moles can also be problematic if they exhibit other warning signs.

2. Shape and Borders: Irregular borders, where the edges of the mole are not smooth or are uneven, can be a red flag. You mentioned that the edges are somewhat irregular, which is worth noting.

3. Color Variation: Moles that have multiple colors or shades (such as brown, black, tan, or even red) can be more suspicious. The presence of a darker area within your mole could indicate a need for further evaluation.

4. Elevation: If the mole is raised or has a different texture compared to the surrounding skin, this can also be a cause for concern.

5. Changes Over Time: Any changes in size, shape, color, or elevation over time should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Since you mentioned that this mole has been present for about 20 years, it’s important to monitor any recent changes.

When to Seek Medical Attention
Given the characteristics you've described, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially since the mole has irregular borders and color variations. While it may not exhibit the extreme irregularities often associated with melanoma, the combination of factors you mentioned suggests that a professional evaluation is warranted.

Recommended Actions
1. Consult a Dermatologist: The best course of action is to see a dermatologist, as they specialize in skin conditions and can perform a thorough examination. They may recommend a biopsy to assess the mole more accurately.

2. Consider a Referral: If your dermatologist finds it necessary, they may refer you to an oncologist specializing in skin cancers or a surgical oncologist for further evaluation and potential removal.

3. Follow-Up: Regardless of the initial assessment, regular follow-ups are essential. Skin checks should be part of your routine healthcare, especially if you have a history of moles or skin changes.

Conclusion
While the mole you described may not immediately appear alarming, the irregularities in its shape and color, combined with its size, suggest that it should not be ignored. Seeking a professional opinion from a dermatologist is the best step forward. They can provide a definitive diagnosis and guide you on the appropriate next steps, whether that involves monitoring, biopsy, or removal. Remember, early detection is key in managing skin health and preventing more serious conditions like melanoma.

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