/assets/images/provider/photos/2819694.png)
Monthly mole checks help catch early signs of skin cancer between visits. Michael Tassavor, MD, MS, of MDCS Dermatology, recommends following the ABCDE rule and tracking changes to protect your skin health. Book your skin exam online today.
Regular skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist are essential for early detection of skin cancer—but between appointments, self-monitoring your moles at home is equally important. According to Michael Tassavor, MD, MS of MDCS Dermatology, consistent at-home mole checks can help catch subtle changes early and make a significant difference in skin health outcomes.
Why Mole Monitoring Matters
Melanoma and other skin cancers can develop quickly, sometimes between annual dermatology visits. By performing monthly self-exams, you can identify new growths or changes in existing moles—both of which are key warning signs.
Even if you’ve never had skin cancer, regular monitoring helps build awareness of your baseline skin patterns, making it easier to spot what’s new or different.
The ABCDE Rule of Moles
Dr. Michael Tassavor recommends using the ABCDE rule to assess your moles for potential warning signs:
-
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
-
B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or jagged.
-
C – Color: Uneven color tones like brown, black, red, white, or blue.
-
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
-
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or sensation.
If a mole meets any of these criteria—or simply looks different from the rest (“the ugly duckling sign”)—it’s best to schedule a professional skin exam right away.
How to Check Your Skin Effectively
-
Perform exams monthly. Use consistent lighting and a full-length mirror.
-
Examine all areas. Don’t forget hard-to-see spots like your scalp, back, and soles of your feet. Use a hand mirror or ask someone to help.
-
Take photos. Document your moles over time. Comparing photos helps you notice subtle changes.
-
Track new growths. Keep a journal or app-based record for easy reference.
-
Use sunscreen daily. Prevent new lesions and reduce UV-related damage.
When to Call Your Dermatologist
If you notice a mole that changes, bleeds, itches, or doesn’t heal, it’s time for a professional evaluation. MDCS Dermatology offers comprehensive mole mapping and dermoscopy to monitor lesions with precision.
Dr. Michael Tassavor, MD, MS emphasizes that even seemingly minor changes can be significant—especially if you have a history of sun exposure, tanning bed use, or a family history of melanoma.
Protecting Your Skin Year-Round
Skin protection is a lifelong commitment. Regular sunscreen use (SPF 30+), protective clothing, and avoidance of peak sun hours can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
By combining at-home vigilance with routine visits to MDCS Dermatology, you can maintain healthier skin and ensure early detection of concerning changes.