Does Melanoma Always Look Like a Mole?

Doctors diagnose just 1% of skin cancers as melanoma. That still makes more than 100,000 new melanoma cases diagnosed in a year in the United States. While melanoma is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, it is more likely to lead to serious complications and even early death.

Knowing the warning signs of melanoma helps you detect it early, and early detection is key to effective treatment. You may have heard new or changing moles indicate the possible presence of melanoma. Still, dermatologist Kelly Kinsley, MD, of North Pacific Dermatology & Aesthetics, wants you to know that moles are not the only signs of this severe skin cancer. 

Read on to learn what melanoma looks like and what to do if you suspect you’ve found it on your skin.

The basics of melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanoma can spread to other body parts, unlike other skin cancers, if not detected early. This means when you recognize the signs of melanoma early and seek treatment, you can avoid complications. 

Melanoma in moles

Melanoma often begins in a mole but doesn’t always look like a typical mole. It can appear in various forms and may not fit the classic mole-like appearance. 

The appearance of melanoma can vary greatly, but there are some common indicators to watch for. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide in identifying suspicious moles or spots on your skin. 

ABCDE stands for:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot doesn’t match the other half in shape
• Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
• Color: Uneven coloring that may include shades of black, brown, and tan may be present; melanomas can also be white, gray, red, pink, or blue
• Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters (about 1/4 inch) across, although they can be smaller when first detected
• Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, points to danger

If you notice any of the signs, contact our office to have your mole assessed and possibly biopsied. 

Melanoma may not look like a mole

Melanoma can also appear where moles are not typically found and may resemble other skin conditions. The cancer may show up as:

• A new spot or growth that looks different from others on your skin
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• A red or pink bump
• A flat, firm, red, or brown patch
• A wart-like growth

Because melanoma can appear in many different ways, it’s important to be vigilant about any new or changing spots on your skin, even if they do not resemble a mole.

Who develops melanoma

While anyone can develop melanoma, certain factors increase your risk, including:

• Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
• History of severe or blistering sunburns
• Excessive UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds
• Family history

If you tend to have many or unusual moles on your skin, you’re also at greater risk of melanoma.

Prevention of melanoma

Preventing melanoma involves a combination of protective measures. Dr. Kinsley recommends examining your skin monthly and looking for any new or changing spots. A yearly professional skin check at our office can detect any unusual spots in areas that are hard for you to see, such as the back of your head or buttocks.

Diligently use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. If you’ll be out in the sun, wear hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves to protect you from the sun’s rays.

You should also avoid tanning beds as their use significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

If you notice any changes in your skin or any of the warning signs mentioned above, seeing Dr. Kinsley as soon as possible is important. Call or use this website to schedule your North Pacific Dermatology & Aesthetics appointment.