Are skin cancer spots raised or flat?

By SkinVision
in Library
posted on August 29, 2017

Detecting possible signs of skin cancer can be difficult. There are certain rules to follow – and of course tools like SkinVision enable you to perform self-checks. But with many possible signs and symptoms, it can be hard to know if you need to go and see your doctor. One of these signs is the fact that a mole can be raised or flat: does that indicate possible skin cancer? Let’s find out.

First off, it’s important to state that skin cancer does not only appear in moles. Although moles are a common place for skin cancer to be seen – unusual sores, lumps, blemishes, markings, or changes in the way an area of the skin looks can also be an indication that something is not right.

So whenever you see changes to the skin appear and you feel uncomfortable, go and see your doctor to take a closer look.

Flat or raised moles?

Now when we zoom in to moles, there can be a lot of confusion on how a normal mole is supposed to look. Normal moles can either be flat or raised. That in itself is not a definite symptom of skin cancer. But…. When a mole has always been flat and now has changed and became raised, that would be a sign that something is going on.

What does a normal mole look like?

Next to that, there are other symptoms to be aware of. You can remember the ABCDE-model and self-check as a first step when you don’t trust a certain mole.

The ABCDE checklist:

Dermatologists identify melanoma symptoms using the ABCDE method. This method shows you which signs to look out for when examining suspicious moles, spots or growths on your skin.

Asymmetrical – Melanomas are distinctly asymmetrical
Border – melanomas have uneven borders
Colours – melanomas will contain at least two distinct colours
Diameter – melanomas are bigger than ¼ inch across
Enlargement – melanomas grow in size over time

The evolution of your mole(s) has become the most important factor to consider when it comes to diagnosing a melanoma. Knowing what is normal for YOU could save your life. If a mole has gone through recent changes in color and/or size, bring it to the attention of a dermatologist immediately.

Read more: ABCDE Melanoma self check

Changing moles

So as a rule of thumb, changing moles are the most important to keep a close eye on. In that case, it does not matter is they are flat or raised – when change occurs, either one of them can be considered risky. Make sure to regularly perform self-checks so you can identify changing moles.

The colour of your skin mole

Read more by topic: Skin spots

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Why it’s so important to check for new moles and skin spots

Once again it has become clear why it’s important to be aware of how your skin looks. You are probably already checking for any changes in the moles on your body. Which is a wise thing to do? But it turns out that new moles and skin spots that are even more important to look for. A new study indicates that most skin cancers come from these new arrivals.

Red spots on skin

It is important to recognize and have a medical assessment on any changes to your skin to minimize the risk of any serious complaints such as skin cancer or melanoma. Red spots on skin can be unsightly and accompanied by a number of other complaints and so it is vital to seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity to ensure that any conditions can be effectively and quickly treated.

White spots on skin

The appearance of white spots on skin indication a loss of pigmentation, which can be the result of a number of skin conditions. The prime concern for the majority of sufferers is the aesthetics of this condition because cosmetically, white spots on skin can be a very obvious condition. However, it is vital to understand whether such changes are symptoms of an underlying or serious skin complaint. Recognising any changes in your skin is key to minimising the risk of skin cancer and other related serious complaints.

Skin spots: what are they?

Is your skin breaking out? Moles, rashes, hives, and eczema are just a few of the more than 3,000 skin disorders that affect people every day. Some skin conditions can be minor, temporary, and easily treated — while others can be severe and even deadly. Read on to see signs and symptoms of the most common skin spots and learn how to identify them.

Are skin cancer spots raised or flat?