New Moles and Freckles: When to Get a Skin Cancer Screening

Have you noticed a new mole or freckle? While most are harmless, an annual skin cancer screening helps catch changes in spots early, before major health issues develop. If you notice a new mole or a changing freckle, scheduling a quick medical check with a trusted provider can provide clear answers and help keep your skin healthy. 

An overview of moles and freckles

Nearly everyone gets moles and freckles, and the most of them are harmless. However, a new mark during adulthood or a spot that shifts in size, shape, or tone warrants professional attention. Skin cells sometimes grow irregularly, which can indicate early signs of damage.

Not every unusual mark means trouble. However, early awareness makes treatment simple and effective, as quick detection prevents complex treatments and procedures later. Routine checks also help individuals maintain healthy skin and get answers from a trusted medical provider as quickly as possible.

When to seek medical attention for a new mole or freckle

A full skin cancer screening is necessary when certain physical changes occur. Medical professionals use the ABCDE guide to evaluate concerning marks that may indicate melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One side of the spot does not match the other side.
• Border: The edges look uneven, rough, or poorly defined instead of smooth.
• Color: Spots vary in color from one area to another, such as tan, brown, or black, and white, red, and blue.
• Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolving: Noticeable changes happen in size, color, or height over time.

When individuals regularly check their skin, it can help catch skin cancer early, when it is the most treatable.

What to expect at a skin cancer screening

A routine skin cancer screening is quick, relatively painless, and simple. The medical provider inspects the body from head to toe to review existing spots. They may use magnification lenses to examine suspicious surface marks without the patient experiencing discomfort.

For new or concerning freckles or moles, they may perform a simple biopsy to obtain more definitive answers. The medical provider numbs the area before removing a small sample for laboratory review. Most biopsies are quick and only take a few additional minutes.

Common risk factors to consider

Routine skin cancer screenings benefit people with higher overall risk factors. Individuals with light skin tones, a history of severe sun damage, frequent outdoor exposure, or a family history of melanoma face elevated risks. Medical providers can tailor skin cancer screenings around each patient’s personal health history, job hazards, and current skin condition. For example, individuals with more risk factors may need to visit for frequent screenings (e.g., twice a year) to monitor for changes and maintain healthy, melanoma-free skin.

Simple ways to keep the skin healthy

Daily skincare limits sun damage and lowers the risk of melanoma. Some common safe habits include:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning before any outdoor activity
• Wear wide-brim hats, long sleeves, and UV-blocking sunglasses outside.
• Stay in shaded areas during higher UV days in the summer
• Avoid indoor tanning beds
• Review skin for new spots once a month to catch subtle developments

These straightforward habits keep skin safe and make self-checks easier over time.

Protect your health with an early evaluation

While moles and freckles are usually harmless, there is no shame in getting new ones checked out. If you spot a concerning change on your skin or fall into a higher-risk category, the South Florida Doctors Group Davie team is here to help. Call our Davie office today to schedule a skin cancer screening.

Request an appointment here: https://davie.southfloridadoctorsgroup.com or call South Florida Doctors Group Davie at (954) 903-0484 for an appointment in our Davie office.

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