Moles and Melanoma Video

How to Examine Moles for Melanoma

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Moles and Melanoma -

Dr. Edward Creagan, MD of the Mayo Clinic explains the "ABCD" of examining moles and growths that may be...

Moles and Melanoma -

Dr. Edward Creagan, MD of the Mayo Clinic explains the "ABCD" of examining moles and growths that may be indicative of skin cancer, or melanoma.

Added: 8/12/09

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Moles and Melanoma cancerous mole edward creagan identifying skin cancer mayo clinic melanoma mole skin cancer skin cancer symptoms tv360

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How to Examine Moles for Melanoma

Every one of us should be aware of A, B, C and D as it relates to a mole. What does A stand for? A stands for asymmetry. If one-half of the mole looks different than the other half, that's a tip-off of a potential problem. B stands for borders. If the borders are irregular, that's a cause for some anxiety. C stands for Color. Variations of tan, black and red could indicate a problem. D stands for Diameter. Most melanomas are greater than 6 millimeters which is about the size of the eraser on a pencil. When we have our physical examination, we should expect a total skin examination including the evaluation of the palms and soles. We should ask our partners or our spouses to look at our back, because many melanomas in men occur on the back. We need to be proactive, we need to be engaged and I would view this skin exam much as we would view seat belts or wearing helmets as we ride horses. The only option to secure the diagnosis and put the patient on the road for a cure is what's called an Excisional Biopsy, removing the melanoma completely looking at it under the microscope. The diagnosis of malignant melanoma can only be made under the microscope. There have been some fascinating studies of patients who had biopsy proven melanoma. They were previously seen by family practitioners and internists, trying to predict which of these moles were malignant and the error rate was extraordinarily high. So none of us can look at a mole and say definitively, yes that's malignant melanoma. So if the patient is concerned, and I am a little bit uncomfortable, that is an indication for a biopsy. Now, the interpretation of a malignant melanoma under the microscope can be very subjective. This can be a very difficult diagnosis. So I personally, in myself or a member of my family, would insist that a dermatopathologist or a reference pathology center interpret that biopsy, because it can be so important in making a final diagnosis. The take away message: be informed, be engaged, remember A, B, C and D and if you see a freckle, if you see a mole or if your family does, that they are not comfortable about, see a provider and ask the question, could this be malignant melanoma, when will we do the biopsy?

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Every one of us should be aware of A, B, C and D as it relates to a mole.

What does A stand for? A stands for asymmetry. If one-half of the mole looks different than the other half, that's a tip-off of a potential problem.

B stands for borders. If the borders are irregular, that's a cause for some anxiety.

C stands for Color. Variations of tan, black and red could indicate a problem.

D stands for Diameter. Most melanomas are greater than 6 millimeters which is about the size of the eraser on a pencil. When we have our physical examination, we should expect a total skin examination including the evaluation of the palms and soles.

We should ask our partners or our spouses to look at our back, because many melanomas in men occur on the back. We need to be proactive, we need to be engaged and I would view this skin exam much as we would view seat belts or wearing helmets as we ride horses.

The only option to secure the diagnosis and put the patient on the road for a cure is what's called an Excisional Biopsy, removing the melanoma completely looking at it under the microscope.

The diagnosis of malignant melanoma can only be made under the microscope. There have been some fascinating studies of patients who had biopsy proven melanoma. They were previously seen by family practitioners and internists, trying to predict which of these moles were malignant and the error rate was extraordinarily high. So none of us can look at a mole and say definitively, yes that's malignant melanoma.

So if the patient is concerned, and I am a little bit uncomfortable, that is an indication for a biopsy. Now, the interpretation of a malignant melanoma under the microscope can be very subjective. This can be a very difficult diagnosis.

So I personally, in myself or a member of my family, would insist that a dermatopathologist or a reference pathology center interpret that biopsy, because it can be so important in making a final diagnosis.

The take away message: be informed, be engaged, remember A, B, C and D and if you see a freckle, if you see a mole or if your family does, that they are not comfortable about, see a provider and ask the question, could this be malignant melanoma, when will we do the biopsy?

Transcription by: Scribe4you Transcription Services