Checking For Signs Of Melanoma
Be On The Lookout for New Moles!
A study published in 2017, reviewed over 20,000 melanomas. Researchers found that just 29% of melanomas arose from an existing mole, while 71% appeared as new growths on what had previously been normal skin. The researchers also found that melanomas arising from existing moles tended to be thinner and thus had a better prognosis.
This study highlights why it is so important to do self-skin checks and familiarize yourself with all the moles on your skin. Keep track of the moles you have, and see Dr. Mary Noel George, a board certified dermatologist, immediately if you find a new mole one of your existing moles changes.