Is This Mole Concerning? A Dermatologist’s Guide to When to Get Checked
How to Know Which Spots Are Safe and Which Need Evaluation
Nearly everyone has moles—but not everyone knows which ones are harmless and which could signal something more serious. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Victoria Moss, MD, FAAD, performs skin checks daily and sees a full spectrum of benign spots, suspicious lesions, and early skin cancers.
The challenge? Many concerning moles don’t look alarming to the untrained eye.
This guide will help you understand what to watch for, when to schedule an exam, and why early detection matters.
The ABCDE Rule: Your First Screening Tool
Dermatologists use a simple, effective method to evaluate moles:
A — Asymmetry - One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B — Border - Irregular, jagged, blurred, or scalloped edges.
C — Color - Multiple colors: brown, black, tan, red, white, blue.
D — Diameter - Larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E — Evolving - Any change in size, shape, color, itching, bleeding, or elevation.
If a mole meets any of the ABCDE criteria, schedule a professional skin check.
Additional Warning Signs Dermatologists Watch For
While the ABCDE rule is essential, there are other signs that may indicate something concerning:
The “Ugly Duckling” Mole
A mole that looks different than all your others—larger, darker, irregular.
Rapid Growth
Any lesion that changes quickly over weeks or months.
New Moles in Adulthood
Most benign moles develop before age 30. New ones after that deserve monitoring.
Bleeding or Crusting Spots
Even without trauma.
Itching or Painful Moles
Especially if the symptom is new.
Non-Healing Spots
Could indicate basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma.
Types of Skin Cancer to Know
Understanding skin cancer categories can help clarify why monitoring matters.
Melanoma - The most dangerous form. Can spread quickly but is highly treatable when caught early.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - Most common skin cancer. Appears as pearly bumps, sores that don’t heal, or small red patches.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - Often rough, scaly, or wart-like patches; can arise from sun-damaged areas.
Early diagnosis saves lives—and preserves the healthiest skin possible.
What Happens During a Skin Check?
If you’ve never had a full-body skin exam, here’s what to expect at Aria Dermatology & Aesthetics:
1. Full-Body Assessment
Dr. Moss evaluates all skin surfaces—from scalp to toes—looking for abnormal lesions or changes.
2. Dermoscopy
A handheld device that magnifies architectural patterns invisible to the naked eye.
3. Documentation & Monitoring
Lesions can be photographed or mapped for future comparison.
4. Biopsy If Warranted
Quick, minimally invasive, and performed in-office.
5. Education
You’ll learn what to watch, what’s normal, and your optimal follow-up schedule.
Skin checks are brief, efficient exams designed to be thorough without being time-consuming. Most patients say they wish they’d started sooner.
When to Schedule a Skin Exam
You should book a dermatology-led skin check if:
You’ve noticed a changing or unusual mole
You have a personal or family history of skin cancer
You have numerous moles (more than 50)
You tan easily or burn frequently
You’ve used tanning beds
You’re fair-skinned or have light eyes/hair
You see a spot that won’t heal
You simply want peace of mind
Most adults should have a skin exam once a year, or more frequently if high-risk.
Prevention = Your Best Defense
Use Daily Sunscreen 365 days per year
At least SPF 30+, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and reapply often.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Even one session increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear UV Protection Factor (UPF) shirts, wide-brim hats and sunglasses.
Know Your Skin
Complete self-checks at least quarterly and check your partner for new or changing lesions.
Early Evaluation
Most concerning lesions are easy to treat when found early.
Not sure about a mole? Don’t wait.
Early evaluation is key to peace of mind and prevention.
Schedule your full-body skin exam with Dr. Moss today.