About all

Mole with dark ring around it. Mole with Dark Ring: Identifying Skin Cancer Warning Signs

What are the characteristics of a mole with a dark ring around it. How can you tell if a mole is potentially cancerous. When should you consult a doctor about a suspicious mole. What are the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma. How are atypical moles different from normal moles.

Содержание

Understanding Moles: Types and Characteristics

Moles are a common feature of human skin, with most individuals having between 10 and 40 moles on their bodies. These pigmented growths can appear anywhere on the skin and are typically formed by age 20. While genetics largely determine mole patterns, sun exposure can increase their number and darken existing ones.

There are three main types of moles:

  • Congenital moles: Present at birth, affecting about 1% of the population
  • Acquired moles: Most common, developing during childhood or early adulthood
  • Atypical moles: Larger and irregularly shaped, with potential increased risk of skin cancer

The Significance of a Mole with a Dark Ring

A mole with a dark ring around it can be a cause for concern. This characteristic falls under the “B” category of the ABCDE melanoma warning signs, which stands for “Border irregularity.” An uneven or poorly defined border, especially one with a darker ring, may indicate potential skin cancer.

Why does a dark ring form around some moles?

A dark ring around a mole can occur due to various reasons:

  1. Inflammation: The skin surrounding the mole may become irritated, causing a darker appearance
  2. Melanin production: Increased pigment production in the area around the mole
  3. Cellular changes: Potentially indicating early stages of melanoma

ABCDE Warning Signs of Melanoma

The ABCDE criteria are essential for identifying potentially cancerous moles:

  • A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
  • B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
  • C – Color: Variations in color within the same mole
  • D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
  • E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color over time

How reliable are the ABCDE criteria in detecting melanoma?

The ABCDE criteria have proven to be a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare professionals in identifying suspicious moles. Studies have shown that this method can increase melanoma detection sensitivity by up to 90%. However, it’s important to note that not all melanomas will exhibit all five characteristics, and some benign moles may display one or more of these features.

When to Consult a Doctor About a Suspicious Mole

It’s crucial to seek medical advice if you notice any of the following:

  • A mole exhibiting one or more ABCDE characteristics
  • New moles appearing after age 20
  • Moles that bleed, itch, or cause pain
  • Rapid changes in existing moles

How often should you perform skin self-examinations?

Dermatologists recommend performing a thorough skin self-examination every month. This practice helps you become familiar with your skin’s normal appearance and makes it easier to detect any changes. For individuals with a family history of skin cancer or a large number of moles, more frequent checks may be advised.

Atypical Moles: Characteristics and Risks

Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, have distinct features that set them apart from common moles:

  • Larger size (usually greater than 6mm)
  • Irregular shape
  • Uneven coloration
  • Dark brown center with lighter or reddish borders
  • Possible presence of black dots around the edge

Are individuals with atypical moles at higher risk for melanoma?

Yes, people with atypical moles have an increased risk of developing melanoma. Studies suggest that individuals with more than five atypical moles have a 6-fold higher risk of melanoma compared to those without atypical moles. However, it’s important to note that most atypical moles do not become cancerous, and regular monitoring is key to early detection.

The Impact of Sun Exposure on Mole Development

Sun exposure plays a significant role in mole formation and alteration:

  • Increases the number of acquired moles
  • Darkens existing moles
  • Accelerates the appearance of new moles
  • Contributes to the development of atypical moles

How can you protect your moles from harmful UV radiation?

To safeguard your skin and moles from sun damage:

  1. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily
  2. Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves
  3. Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm)
  4. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps
  5. Use UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes

Mole Removal: Procedures and Considerations

While most moles are harmless, removal may be necessary for suspicious growths or cosmetic reasons. Common mole removal techniques include:

  • Shave excision: Suitable for raised moles
  • Punch excision: Used for smaller, flat moles
  • Surgical excision: Recommended for larger or potentially cancerous moles

What should you expect during and after mole removal?

The mole removal process typically involves:

  1. Local anesthesia to numb the area
  2. Removal of the mole using one of the above techniques
  3. Possible closure of the wound with stitches
  4. Sending the tissue sample to a laboratory for analysis

After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort and scarring. Follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions carefully to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.

Genetic Factors and Mole Patterns

Genetics play a significant role in determining an individual’s mole patterns and characteristics. Some genetic factors influencing moles include:

  • Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome
  • Certain gene mutations, such as CDKN2A and CDK4
  • Skin type and natural pigmentation levels

How do genetic factors influence melanoma risk?

Genetic predisposition can significantly impact melanoma risk. Individuals with a family history of melanoma or those carrying specific gene mutations may have up to a 70% lifetime risk of developing melanoma. Regular skin checks and genetic counseling can be crucial for high-risk individuals to ensure early detection and prevention.

Mole Changes During Pregnancy and Adolescence

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and adolescence can affect mole appearance and development:

What to Look for, When to Worry

Everyone has moles on their skin. On average, most people have at least 10, but less than 40 moles. A mole can appear anywhere on your body, and most moles appear by age 20.

Although your pattern of moles is most likely determined by your genetics, sun exposure can cause you to have more moles, and can cause the ones you already have to get darker. New moles tend to appear and existing ones tend to get larger and darker during your teen years and if you become pregnant.

Types of Skin Moles

If you have a mole, you may be wondering if it’s harmless or if you should see your doctor about it. A mole usually appears as a small, brownish spot on your skin, but can come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Depending on its appearance and when it developed, a mole can be classified as one of the following types:

  • Congenital moles. When a mole is present at birth, it is called a congenital mole, or congenital nevus. About 1 percent of people have congenital moles, and these moles may be at increased risk of turning into skin cancer.
  • Acquired moles. Acquired moles account for most moles and usually develop during childhood or early adulthood. These moles are usually smaller than a quarter inch, and are thought to be due to excessive sun exposure. Most acquired moles will not develop into skin cancer.
  • Atypical moles. Atypical moles (also known as dysplastic nevi) are larger than a pencil eraser and shaped irregularly. These moles are usually uneven in color, with a dark brown center. The borders of atypical moles may be irregular, with a lighter or reddish color, and unevenness or black dots around the edge. Atypical moles tend to run in families and they may be at increased risk of developing into skin cancer.

When to See Your Doctor About a Mole

It’s important to consult your doctor or a dermatologist about a suspicious skin mole since it may be an early sign of malignant melanoma, which is a life-threatening form of skin cancer.

Examine your skin regularly, looking for any new skin moles as well as changes in the moles you already have. If you have a family history of atypical moles or skin cancer, or a large number of moles or freckles, your primary doctor may suggest that you see a dermatologist for regular skin evaluations.

When you examine your moles, remember the ABCDEs of melanoma. If you notice any of the following, consult your doctor or dermatologist:

  • A for asymmetry: A mole in which one half of the mole does not look like the other
  • B for irregular border: A mole with a scalloped or poorly defined border
  • C for varied color: A mole that consists of multiple shades of black, brown, white, red, and/or blue
  • D for large diameter: A mole that has a diameter larger than that of a pencil eraser
  • E for evolving: A mole that’s size, shape, or color changes over time
  • New moles: A mole that develops, especially if it appears after age 20
  • Bothersome moles: A mole that bleeds, itches, or is painful

Removing a Skin Mole

Most moles are harmless and do not need to be removed. But if your dermatologist thinks your mole looks suspicious, or if you would like to have the mole removed for cosmetic reasons, it can usually be done quite easily.

To remove a mole, your dermatologist will numb the area around your mole, and then shave or cut it off. After removing the mole, your dermatologist may need to close the area with one or a few stitches. The tissue will be sent to a laboratory to confirm that it is not cancerous.

Most moles are harmless, but getting any suspicious ones checked out quickly will enable you to detect skin cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable.

20 Ways to Preserve — and Boost — Collagen in Your Face

Try these skin-care products, procedures, and habits for smoother, plumper, and healthier-looking skin today. Each of these recommendations is supported…

By Jessica Migala

What Is Face Yoga? Plus, 5 Exercises to Try at Home

Face yoga may help reduce premature signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Here’s a look at the limited research behind this approach and…

By Moira Lawler

8 Unexpected Causes of Summertime Rashes

Skin rashes are a common problem during the summer months due to some surprising triggers, such as sunlight, contaminated water, and even lime juice. …

By Colleen de Bellefonds

How Do You Treat Prurigo Nodularis?

Medications for prurigo nodularis, combined with the right cleansing and moisturizing habits, can reduce the intense itchiness that goes with this rare…

By Becky Upham

Does Homemade Rosemary Water Really Make Your Hair Shinier, Healthier, and Grow Faster?

The TikTok trend of using homemade rosemary water for hair care to promote growth, hydrate locks, and increase shine comes with a caveat: there’s no scientific…

By Leah Groth

7 Plant-Based Oils That May Give You Healthier Hair

Can pumpkin seed oil help with hair growth? What about rosemary oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil? We consulted dermatologists and unpacked the research. ..

By Leah Groth

What Is Prurigo Nodularis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is an inflammatory skin condition marked by firm, itchy, often painful bumps (nodules) on the skin. Read on for more on causes …

By Becky Upham

Skin Tags: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Skin tags, extra pieces of skin that stick out beyond the surface of the body, are very common. Learn what may cause them and your options for treatment…

By Julie Davis Canter

10 Dos and Don’ts for Scar Prevention

Some people think of their scars as battle wounds — and they are nothing to be ashamed of, but caring for fresh wounds can help prevent them from leaving…

By Lacey Muinos

Seeing your GP | Melanoma skin cancer

See your doctor if you develop a new mole or notice a change in an existing mole or area of your skin (including under your nail).

Even if you’re worrying about what this might be, you shouldn’t delay seeing them. Your worry is unlikely to go away if you don’t make an appointment. You won’t be wasting your doctor’s time. It might not be cancer. But if it is, the earlier a cancer is picked up, the more likely it can be treated successfully.

Getting the most out of your GP appointment

It can be difficult to remember everything you want to say and ask when you see the doctor. These tips will help you get the most out of your appointment.

Tips

  • Make a note of when you first noticed the abnormal area of skin and if there have been any changes.
  • Write down any questions that you have while you think of them.
  • Bring a friend or relative – they could also ask questions and help you remember what the GP says.
  • Tell your GP if you are worried about cancer in particular.
  • Ask the GP to explain anything you don’t understand.
  • Ask the GP to write things down for you if you think this might help.

What happens during your GP appointment

Your doctor will look at your mole or abnormal area of skin. They might:

  • measure it with a ruler or against a marker scale
  • take a photo so they can record any changes
  • examine it closely with a dermatoscope (like a magnifying glass)

There are particular features of moles that they look out for, such as changes in size, colour and shape. And if there is any inflammation, bleeding or itching.

Depending on this, your doctor might:

  • reassure you
  • refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist), or pigmented lesion clinic if there’s one in your area
  • take a photograph and refer you to a teledermatology clinic

A pigmented lesion clinic is a dermatology clinic that specialises in picking up suspicious moles and diagnosing melanoma.

Teledermatology is a new pathway for referral, where a digital picture is taken and assessed by the skin specialist.

Ask your GP to explain if they don’t think you need a referral. They might ask you to come back in a couple of weeks or months so they can monitor your mole or abnormal area of skin. Go back any time if you notice any further changes.

Questions for your GP

  • Do I need to see a specialist, is it urgent?
  • When will I see them?
  • Will I find out about my appointments by post or telephone?
  • Will I need tests? What will they involve?

If they don’t think you need a referral

  • Can you explain to me why I don’t need to see a specialist?
  • Do I need to see you again?
  • What changes should I look out for?

What happens next

Make sure you know what happens next. Make another appointment if you notice any more changes to your mole or skin, or you are still concerned.

How to find a GP

If you don’t have a GP, you can find a doctor’s surgery in your local area by going to:

Making a GP appointment

To make an appointment to see your GP you:

  • can telephone your GP practice
  • book an appointment online through your GP practice website (if they have one)
  • may be able to use the NHS App

Try different times of the day if it’s difficult to get through by phone. It could be particularly busy at the beginning of the day. You don’t have to tell the receptionist what you want to see the doctor for, although sometimes it might help to explain your situation.

You might be able to go in person to book an appointment at some GP practices. But at the moment most practices do not provide this service. It may help to see if your GP practice has a website. This will explain the best way to get an appointment.

The receptionist at your GP’s practice may offer you a telephone or video appointment first. Your GP will ask you to make another appointment if they need to see you again. You may be asked to attend in person, especially if they need to examine you. The receptionist will give you a date and time for this.

Accept a booked appointment, even if you think it’s a long time to wait. You could ask about cancellations if you are able to get to the practice at short notice. Do check that they have the right contact details for you, including your telephone number and email.  

  • Suspected cancer: recognition and referral
    National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), June 2015

  • Scottish referral guidelines for suspected cancer
    The Scottish Government, 2019

Last reviewed: 

25 Mar 2020

Next review due: 

23 Mar 2023