How to Check Your Moles for Skin Cancer

Start with a full skin self-exam

Checking moles for skin cancer warning signs starts with a full skin self-exam, not just a quick look at one spot. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends checking the front and back of your body, both sides, arms, palms, fingernails, legs, between toes, soles, neck, scalp, back, and buttocks.

Use a full-length mirror and hand mirror. Ask someone you trust to help with your scalp or back if that is comfortable.

Look for new or changing spots

The American Cancer Society highlights new spots, changing spots, and spots that look different from the rest as important warning signs. ^[3]

That is why Dermela focuses on photo timelines. A mole checker is most useful when it helps you answer: Is this spot new? Did it change? Does it look different from my usual pattern?

Use ABCDE for one mole at a time

For a specific mole, write notes about asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving. ^[2] Avoid trying to make a diagnosis from those features. Instead, use them to create a clearer description for a clinician.

Take useful photos

Use bright, even light. Keep the camera parallel to the skin when possible. Take future photos from a similar distance and angle. Add a body-area label and date.

Do not edit the photo to make the mole look sharper or darker. A consistent, ordinary photo is more useful than a dramatic one.

Know when to stop tracking and seek care

Tracking is helpful when a clinician has told you to monitor or when you are building a baseline. It is not a reason to delay care for a spot that is bleeding, painful, rapidly changing, persistently itchy, or worrying you.