To the doctor or not? This is how doctors recognize a malignant mole

Panic that everyone recognizes: you stand turned to the left in front of the mirror and look at your back. You are startled. Has that mole always been there? Has it gotten bigger?

And then that mole on your belly: does it seem to have a different shape now? Is it a strange color? How do you recognize a malignant mole? We all know that panic in front of the mirror: suddenly you doubt whether you have a melanoma. Terribly scary, of course. You really don't have to worry all the time, but in some cases you do. We consulted reliable sources: doctors, because they know better than anyone else. Then you immediately know whether you need to see a doctor or not. And for us, it definitely applies: if you are in doubt, it's better to call your GP or stop by. Better to go too often, right?

According to dermatologists, you can first remember the English mnemonic ABCDE if you want to check yourself regularly. It works like this:

Asymmetry
The mole should not grow asymmetrically, meaning one side should not be much larger or thicker than the other side. And it should not have a very different color on one side compared to the other side.

Border
The border of the mole to the normal skin becomes increasingly difficult to see: it becomes harder to tell where the mole starts and where it doesn't. The edges of the spot also become more irregular; the shape becomes more jagged instead of nicely round or oval.

Colour
The mole should not change color. It should not be brown first and then turn red, or vice versa, first red and then get darker.

Diameter
If your mole grows a lot, you should have it checked. So check yourself regularly for growing spots if you are worried about it. Also on your back: have someone take a look or turn around well in the mirror.

Evolution
You should mainly keep an eye on whether the mole does not change drastically in color, size, and whether it feels painful over a few months. As soon as you notice that it is a ‘strange spot’ or that it is becoming more of a bump, you should have it checked.

Don't panic too quickly: a mole that has only gotten a bit bigger, without those ABC symptoms, can also just be harmless. Your pigment changes, and with the years, more and larger moles can also be normal. You should definitely be concerned and go to the doctor if a mole itches, hurts, bleeds, irritates, smells strange, or looks like a wound.