Are there any new moles you are concerned about? - A talk about mole cancer -

Introduction
“I noticed a mole that just appeared, and it feels a bit different than usual, but I ended up leaving it alone.” Have you ever had an experience like that?
In this article, we will introduce some points to keep in mind when you find a mole that concerns you. By understanding the signs we tend to overlook, we hope this will be a step toward early detection.

“Mole changes” to watch out for
Among what appear to be “moles,” there are rare cases where a skin cancer called malignant melanoma is hidden.
Melanoma is a cancer that develops from melanocytes, which produce skin pigment. Because it looks similar to ordinary moles and freckles, it has the characteristic of being difficult to notice.
In particular, you should be careful if you notice the following changes:

✅ The shape is asymmetrical
✅ The outline is jagged or unclear
✅ The color is not uniform and consists of multiple mixed colors
✅ The diameter exceeds 6mm or it has been growing
✅ There are changes in the color, shape, thickness, or itchiness of a pre-existing mole
✅ In Japanese people, it is also prone to occurring on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and around the nails

By knowing these points, you can avoid dismissing a sudden feeling of unease as “just your imagination.”

Why early detection is important
Melanoma is a cancer that progresses rapidly and carries a high risk of metastasis.
However, it is known that if it can be found early and treated, the prognosis changes significantly.
That is why a small realization like “When did this appear?” is actually very important.

Self-checks you can do daily
You do not need any special tools.
In your daily life, the following practices can help with early detection:

• Use a mirror or smartphone photos to check areas that are hard to see

• Check areas often overlooked, such as the soles of the feet, palms, and the sides or bases of nails

• Be conscious of observing new moles or moles that have changed

• If you are even slightly concerned, consult a dermatologist

When you think, “It’s bothering me, but maybe not enough to see a doctor…,” that is exactly when you should consult a professional.

Conclusion
Small daily realizations are essential for the early detection of diseases.
When you see a mole that concerns you, it is very important not to just dismiss it as a regular mole, but to think, “I’ll check it just in case.”
👉this videoWe would be happy if you could use this to check your own body.
We will continue to provide tips on noticing signs from your body, so please be sure to check them out.