Mole or Cancer? How to Tell the Difference and Stay Safe

How can we distinguish between a mole and skin cancer?

Sometimes, people leave a mole as it is, thinking it’s just a mole. However, it could be a symptom of skin cancer, which is difficult to distinguish from a mole. Among the various types of skin cancer, there are some with low survival rates, so it’s essential not to neglect them and take action. Let’s learn to distinguish between a mole and skin cancer.

Is it wrong to have moles on the palms and soles of the feet?

There is a saying that it’s not good to have moles on the hands and soles of the feet. The origin of this saying can be traced back to historical records where people with moles on their hands and feet died of unknown diseases.

Skin cancer can be divided into three types: basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common and has a good prognosis. The second is squamous cell carcinoma, which usually occurs in people over 60 and is easy to detect because it appears in sun-exposed areas. The third is melanoma, which is difficult to distinguish from a normal mole and is a type of cancer with a high mortality rate.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma can be categorized into four distinct types. In our nation, acral lentiginous melanoma stands out as the most prevalent, making up approximately 70% of cases among East Asians. This particular type frequently manifests on the palms, fingers, soles, and toes; intriguingly, it is not linked to UV exposure. Given its propensity to appear in less conspicuous areas, it often goes unnoticed, but it’s imperative to take prompt action.

How to distinguish between a mole and skin cancer

There are five ways to distinguish between a mole and skin cancer. The first is asymmetry. If it’s not symmetrical, visiting a hospital is a good idea. Second is the border. Moles have smooth borders, but abnormal moles are irregular and not smooth.

The third is color. Skin cancer can be suspected if it’s not a uniform color but a mixture of different colors. Fourth is size. If the diameter is more than 6mm (about 0.24 inches), melanoma is possible. Lastly, you should monitor for changes. Visiting a hospital is a good idea if it gets bigger over time or bleeds.