You may have been born with moles or nevi, or they developed later through your childhood or in adolescence.  These are the small pigmented spots on your skin that may vary in color. Although they are harmless, they can be cancerous and therefore the need to seek medical attention.

Fortunately, Chevy Chase moles/nevi  specialists at Ali Hendi, MD can help determine the nature of your moles through a skin evaluation. Moles can be typical or atypical. Common moles can develop anywhere on the body and are commonly dark brown and are oval or round in shape. However, they can also be flesh-coloured, black, or tan, and their appearance can change over time up to completely fading away.

Atypical moles are large compared to common moles and can contain a mixture of colours. They are irregular in shape and mostly appear on an exposed part of the skin. These moles continue to develop after the age of 35 and should be regularly inspected. This is because they can indicate existing skin cancer or act as a warning sign for the moles to become cancerous.

See a Doctor

If you have moles and are not sure if they are a threat to your health, seek certainty by visiting Ali Hendi, MD. Dr Hendi can give you the answers you need through a diagnosis. Moreover, you should seek urgent medical attention when:

• The moles suddenly enlarge
• An irregular border develops
• The moles become darker or inflamed
• The moles crack, bleed, or become itchy
• You observe spotty colour changes
• The moles become painful

If your provider finds out that the moles are cancerous, they should be removed entirely. Dr. Hendi discusses with you the options suitable for you and takes you through the benefits and risks of each. This is because moles aren’t meant to be removed as they can cause scarring and therefore it’s only done when necessary.

No Need for Alarm

Relax and know that all is well if your moles remain evenly pigmented, symmetrical in shape, and sharply demarcated. However, to be more confident, you can also visit Dr. Hendi for confirmation.

Know What Causes Moles

Moles are a result of skin cells growing in a cluster instead of spreading evenly throughout the skin. Several factors, such as sunlight exposure, puberty, and pregnancy, can influence the development of moles.

Self-help Tips

Moles should be regularly examined. For this reason, you should spend some time on the mirror and use the ABCDEs to detect any changes on the moles. These include:

• Asymmetry checking. The halves of the mole should match.
• Border evaluation. The border should be regular and smooth.
• Colour evaluation. The colour should be uniform and constant.
• Diameter measurement. The diameter should not be larger than a pencil eraser.
• Elevation monitoring. The elevation should be flat and constant over time.

You Should Note

The most common form of skin cancer that can be associated with moles is melanoma. In men, it is commonly located at the back while in women it is generally located at the lower leg. This condition mainly affects women between the ages of 25-29.

Please, don’t allow the growth on your skin to concern you. Visit Ali Hendi, MD to be informed and get a proper diagnosis to enable you to live a quality life more confidently.