At the office of Dr. Manuel Hernandez, with locations in Port Charlotte, FL, and serving patients in Punta Gorda and Arcadia, FL, we understand that noticing changes in your skin can be unsettling. While many moles are harmless, it’s important to recognize when a mole or spot could signal something more serious. Regular skin checks are key to protecting your health and catching skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Signs a Mole May Need to Be Checked

Most moles are harmless, but changes in the appearance of a mole or its behavior can indicate melanoma or other skin cancer. If you develop a new mole later in life, especially after age 30, or if an existing mole gets bigger, darker, or develops irregular edges, it's time to get it checked out. Moles that itch, bleed, crust, or cause pain must also be checked. Another warning sign is if the mole looks quite different from other moles elsewhere on your body, referred to as the "ugly duckling" sign.

To help patients monitor changes at home, dermatologists recommend following the ABCDEs of melanoma:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
• B – Border: The edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.
• C – Color: The mole has multiple colors or uneven coloring.
• D – Diameter: It is larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser.
• E – Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or symptoms over time.

The Importance of Regular Skin Checks

In addition to noticing surface changes, going in for frequent skin checks from a dermatologist can detect skin cancers early, at times before one even notices they exist. If a suspicious marking appears during the professional examination, Dr. Hernandez can view it and take out a biopsy as needed. These quick checkups make all the difference when catching something while it remains highly treatable.

Schedule Your Skin Check Today

If you’ve noticed a new or changing mole, or if it’s simply been a while since your last skin check, don’t wait. Dr. Manuel Hernandez provides trusted dermatologic care in Port Charlotte, serving nearby communities including Punta Gorda and Arcadia, FL. Call us today at (941) 764-7773 to schedule a professional evaluation and take a proactive step toward protecting your skin health.