I noticed a new dark mole with uneven edges this month, and my dermatologist can’t see me until after the holidays. What could this be?

The ABCDE rule is a helpful tool for assessing moles for signs of melanoma. ‘A’ stands for asymmetry, where one half of the mole does not match the other. ‘B’ is for border irregularity; watch out for edges that are ragged or blurred. ‘C’ refers to color, with concern for moles that have multiple shades or hues.

‘D’ stands for diameter, highlighting moles larger than 6 millimeters as potentially concerning. Lastly, ‘E’ is for evolving, indicating any changes in the mole over time, including size, shape, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding. If a mole exhibits any of these characteristics, further evaluation by a dermatologist is recommended.

Melanoma can present in various ways, often deviating from the textbook appearance of a uniformly dark and irregular mole. In real life, melanomas can be flat or raised, and may exhibit shades of pink, red, or even blue-black. They can also appear as a new spot on the skin that grows quickly or changes rapidly over weeks to months.

Some melanomas can mimic the appearance of benign moles, making it crucial to pay attention to any new or changing skin lesions. The key is to be aware of your skin and note any changes, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Not all new or changing moles are cause for alarm. Some benign possibilities include seborrheic keratoses, which are non-cancerous growths that can appear wart-like and vary in color from light tan to black. Cherry angiomas, small red to purple growths, are also benign and common, especially with age.

Common moles can appear during childhood and adolescence, and it’s normal for them to change slightly over time. However, if a mole’s appearance is consistent with other benign moles and it passes the ABCDE rule, it may not require immediate concern.

Keep a close eye on the mole for any changes in size, shape, or color. Look for symptoms such as itching, tenderness, or bleeding. A mole that begins to crust or scab, or develops a notch or ulceration, should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Documenting these changes with photographs and notes can be helpful for both your own monitoring and for discussing the changes with your dermatologist when you are able to see them.