Upon first glance, moles can seem indistinguishable from skin cancer. Even dermatologists need to carefully review the size, shape, and coloration of a skin anomaly to make an accurate diagnosis. While you should always see a doctor if you have a mole or any new skin growth, certain benchmarks are used when differentiating between moles and skin cancer, which are discussed in more detail below.

Shape

Moles develop when pigment cells grow in clusters on the skin. Skin cancer, on the other hand, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. One of the most visible ways to tell the difference between the two is shape. A mole is rounder and more evenly edged. A skin cancer growth has jagged, uneven, or indistinct boundaries. It often looks asymmetrical to the naked eye.

Color

Both moles and skin cancer can come in any number of colors. But a mole is usually more uniform in color, while skin cancer will include lighter or darker spots, or different colors altogether, within the growth. Skin cancer often has black spots in it, but brown, tan, white, gray, red, or blue spots might also be present.

Diameter

Skin cancer can produce growths of any size. But in many cases, the initial growth, when first noticed, is typically larger than six millimeters. That's about the width of an average pen or pencil. Moles can be much smaller or larger.

Growth

One telltale sign of skin cancer is that the growth is evolving. A mole will stay the same size. Certain types of moles can develop skin cancer; in such cases, the mole will usually grow in size and change in texture. What was once a small, uniform mole will advance into a larger mass that is scaly, ridged, hard, or lumpy.

If you become aware of any of the above signs, contact a dermatologist right away. Kailua Dermatology Associates provides all manner of dermatology services and mole removal. Serving the Windward side of Oahu since 1973, Dr. Phillip Hellreich, MD, is a specialist in skin disorders, so you can count on him for skin cancer identification as well as treatment for conditions like acne or psoriasis. Call (808) 261-6133 to schedule an exam today, or visit the clinic online for details on their services.