How Do You Know If a Mole is Cancerous?

Cancerous moles typically exhibit changes in size, shape, color, or texture that healthy moles don't show. The ABCDE method helps identify warning signs: Asymmetry (one half differs from the other), Border irregularity, Color variation within the same mole, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving characteristics. Additional red flags include bleeding, itching, crusting, or rapid growth. According to dermatologists, any mole that changes appearance over weeks or months warrants immediate medical evaluation. Early detection is crucial since melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate when caught early, but this drops significantly if it spreads to lymph nodes or other organs. The only way to know with certainty if a mole is cancerous is to biopsy or remove it and examine a tissue specimen under a microscope.