5 Moles and Marks You Can't Ignore

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Many of us scan our skin regularly for new lines, or scrutinize it to see if those sunspots are improving. But when I ask my patients if they're regularly examining their skin for dangerous moles, I get a lot of sheepish looks.

I recommend yearly mole checks by a dermatologist for everyone (twice yearly if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer), but you should make an appointment right away if you notice any marks that fit these descriptions:

1. Any mole that suddenly grows, changes color, or bleeds warrants a visit to the dermatologist ASAP (see if they can take you this week) - those changes could indicate melanoma, which can be deadly if it's not caught in time. It's not worth putting off this appointment; even one day can make a difference.

2. If you have a patch of rough, scabbed skin that does not heal for two months, you may be dealing with a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Carcinoma is not as much of an emergency as melanoma, but you should see your dermatologist soon. SCCs can metastasize, and should be removed within a few months' time.

3. Pearly white, "heaped up" bumps are likely basal cell carcinomas (BCC), especially if they have tiny blood vessels in their borders and a central crater. (I had one on my eyelid, so do not ignore bumps on the lash margin!) This is a slow-growing type of skin cancer that should be removed within a few months of noticing it - just remember that the sooner you remove it, the smaller the scar. If the BCC is superficial enough, your dermatologist may even prescribe Aldara, a topical cream, instead of surgery.

4. The sudden appearance of many brown, rough, flaky areas on the trunk, raised from skin's surface, may indicated something called "the sign of Leser-Trelat" - it's named after the doctors who first discovered that such lesions can be a warning sign of underlying cancer.

The sign of Leser-Trelat is rare, and those brown, rough patches are typically a harmless condition. The biggest warning sign is rapid growth - if you notice such patches that are quickly growing in size or in number, see a dermatologist.

5. Many people don't realize that skin cancer can occur on the fingers and toes - but because such moles are typically ignored for a long time, melanoma on the fingers and toes typically has a worse prognosis than on other parts of the body. If you see a dark spot under your toenail or fingernail, and it's not associated with a physical trauma, have it checked now.

Remember, dermatologists are highly trained to recognize worrisome moles and marks -- you don't have to make that call yourself! Find a dermatologist near you.

Wishing you great skin!