Having a mole or as most people prefer to call it, a beauty spot, is often considered a symbol of beauty. However, before you let your vanity get the better of you, make sure that your moles are cancer free! Yes, moles can be cancerous and it is important to identify if a mole is benign or a sign of melanoma — a rare but potentially dangerous skin cancer. Here are the facts.

Q What is melanoma?
Malignant melanoma is a rare but potentially serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma starts in melanocytes (melanin pigment producing cells) that are present in the outer layer of the skin.

Q Are all moles cancerous?
There is a popular rule called the ABCD Rule and the same outlines warning signals for melanoma. Moles that are cancerous will adhere to the ABCD rule, which is defined as:
a. Asymmetry
b. Border irregularity
c. Colour variation within the lesion like shades of brown, tan or black
d. Diameter of the lesion is more than six millimetres
If your moles adhere to the above, get them checked immediately.

Q Do all moles eventually become cancerous or do they stay benign?
Most moles do not become cancerous. However, we must be cautious and consider the ABCD rule.

Q How often should one check his or her moles to check if any are cancerous?
The National Cancer Institute recommends a self-examination of your skin every month and an annual skin examination by a physician or dermatologist is also recommended.

Q Should people who have moles get the same removed?
Not necessarily but if you notice any change in the size, colour or texture of the mole, consult a doctor.

Q Can one prevent the onset of melanoma, if yes, what are the preventive measure one should take to avoid getting melanoma?
Melanoma can be prevented to some extent by avoiding or minimising exposure to UV rays. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 when you go out in the sun.

Q What are the symptoms of melanoma?
Melanoma can occur in a pre-existing mole or appear as a new growth on the skin.

The symptoms include:
A skin growth that is increasing in size or one that is multicoloured (brown, black or tan).
A spot or mole that is irregular in outline, bigger than the size of a pencil eraser or a lesion that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode or bleed.
An open sore that does not heal within three weeks.

Q What are the treatment options for melanoma and can it recur? If yes, how does one prevent a recurrence?
The treatment options depend on the stage of the disease. Early melanomas are almost 100 per cent curable. The first option of treatment is surgery. Depending of the stage of the disease, other modalities that may be required to prevent recurrence are radiotherapy, biologic therapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy. Frequent skin examinations are mandatory for these patients.

Q What kind of a doctor should one approach to have their moles checked for cancer?
Your family doctor or a dermatologist should be approached. A dermatologist (skin specialist)) is likely to have the most training in diseases of the skin. An oncologist may also be approached.

Dr Y. Nalini, is a fellow of the UICC (UK) and a consultant Radiation Oncologist at the Apollo Hospital (Hyderabad), Yashoda Hospital (Somajiguda) and the IndoAmerican Cancer Institute.