We all know that moles aren’t created equal – many are harmless – but some require urgent attention, especially when changes arise or new moles appear. While there are three main skin cancer types in New Zealand, melanoma is our deadliest and we have one of the highest rates in the world. Melanoma lesions are more likely – 70% more likely, according to meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology – to arise on previously health-looking skin, not from pre-existing moles. Which is why knowing your moles, and their behaviours, is essential to early detection and prevention . . .
Moles 101 . . .
A mole can be characterised as a brown lesion that varies in colour from light to dark. Generally, it is oval or round with a smooth edge and can flat, raised or rough in texture – it may even have a hair or two growing out of it. It’s a popular misconception that raised moles are more suspectable to skin cancer than flat moles, however whether a mole is flat or raised has no bearing on its health. What matters more when assessing moles is its symmetry, colours and evolution. Most people continue to developing moles into their 30s and 40s, with the majority developing in childhood and early adulthood.
Moles can behave like teenagers too – multiplying more rapidly in numbers across the teen years. They can also fade away, get darker or even drop off as hormones shift at certain stages of life – like during pregnancy.
Not every spot that appears is a mole. Other common lesions that can appear – particularly in midlife and beyond – include . . .
- Solar lentigines – Also called age spots, liver spots or sunspots. Caused by collections of pigment and that are commonly found on the face, arms, hands, shoulders and feet.
- Skin tags – These harmless growths commonly develop where skin rubs in places like the underarms, breasts, neck crease and groin.
- Seborrhoeic keratoses – These are benign growths caused by a build-up of skin cells and can appear waxy, warty and raised – varying from light to dark in colour. And more commonly appear in midlife onwards.
- Cherry angiomas – Appear as red bumps on the skin and are benign growths of blood vessels. Most commonly they appear after 30 and often appear in groups, ranging from light to dark red.
Melanoma quick-fire . . .
- According to research published by Melanoma Focus, having five or more sunburns doubles your risk of getting melanoma skin cancer, and even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life. Further studies indicate that experiencing five or more extreme sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases your melanoma risk by 80%.
- Having more than 50 moles can increase your risk for melanoma, according to Molemap NZ.
- Latest statistics from the American Cancer Society show that early melanoma detection has a 99% five-year survival rate. Dropping to 66% if melanoma reaches the lymph nodes, and 27% if it spreads to other organs.
