Melanoma (Mole Cancer): Early Detection and Treatment with Dr. Dropin

Worried about a mole? Don't wait, get it checked today.

Melanoma, also known as mole cancer, is the most serious form of skin cancer. Early detection and treatment are essential to combat this disease.

At Dr. Dropin, we offer thorough mole examinations and quick access to experienced skin specialists.

Read on to learn more

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What is melanoma (mole cancer)?

Melanoma occurs in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin, which gives color to the skin and moles. Although melanoma is often associated with moles, it can occur anywhere on the body.

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Be aware of changes

The ABCDE rule

  • Asymmetry: The mole is not symmetrical.
  • Border: The edge is uneven, jagged or blurry.
  • Color: The mole has several colors or uneven color distribution.
  • Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 mm in diameter.
  • Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color or swelling.

Other danger signs:

✔️ Itch ✔️ Bleeding ✔️ Soreness ✔️ New moles after the age of 30

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Prevention of melanoma

✔️ Protect yourself from the sun: Use sunscreen, clothing and sunglasses.

✔️ Avoid tanning beds.

✔️ Check your moles regularly.

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Increased risk of mole cancer

Factors that can increase the risk of developing mole cancer are:

  • A high number of moles, more than 50, measuring more than 2 mm in diameter
  • Several large moles, more than 7 mm in diameter, which are uneven and of varying colors
  • If you have a close relative (parents or siblings) with mole cancer
  • A lot of sun exposure without UV protection, sunburn
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Occurrence of mole cancer

Melanoma is the form of cancer that is increasing the most, and in Norway a tenfold increase over the last decades is reported.

The annual incidence of melanoma in Norway is around 40 per 100,000, and the lifetime risk of developing mole cancer is around two per cent. In 2019, there were a total of 28,727 cases of mole cancer and of these, 18,824 had lived for five years or longer after the diagnosis was made. The number of new cases in Norway in 2019 was 1,202 men and 1,128 women, while in the same year 190 men and 117 women died of melanoma.

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This is how Dr. Dropin can help you

Dermatologist check: Thorough examination of moles with a dermatoscope.

Quick diagnosis: If melanoma is suspected, the mole is removed and sent for analysis.

Effective treatment: Early treatment increases the chances of recovery.

Experienced specialists: Our dermatologists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.

Short waiting time: Book an appointment online or via the app, and get an appointment quickly.

Dr. Dropin is keen to offer good skin services at a fixed and predictable price, and with a short waiting time.

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Frequently asked questions

Category:

Should one check moles regularly?

It is important to be aware of moles, especially when there are many or large moles. Frequent checks are recommended, for example annual checks or when changes are detected. This is especially important if you have:

A significant number of moles, especially over 50, measuring more than 2 mm in diameter.

Several large moles, with a diameter of more than 7 mm, which have an uneven shape and varied colors.

A family history of mole cancer, especially if parents or siblings have been affected.

Prolonged sun exposure without adequate UV protection, especially if you have experienced sunburn.

Being aware of these risk factors and seeking medical help when necessary can contribute to early detection and treatment of potential skin problems.

Is it enough to check the moles yourself or should it be done by a dermatologist?

Self-monitoring of moles is a good practice to detect any changes in time. However, if you notice changes, it is important to seek professional help from a dermatologist or general practitioner for a more thorough assessment.

Which changes / signs should I react to and see a doctor for?

See below for a checklist for when you should see a dermatologist or general practitioner for a consultation.

- You get a new mole

- A mole changes shape and colour, by

- Becomes larger than before, in thickness or in width

- Changes shape and gets uneven edges

- Changes colour, often with brown-black parts

- A mole itches, bleeds or forms a wound that will not heal

Are new moles dangerous?

A new mole is not dangerous in itself. Most new moles appear early in life and up to the age of 25, but they can also appear after this. New moles most often appear on skin areas exposed to the sun. If the new mole has signs such as uneven color and shape, an uneven surface, itches, sores or bleeding, you should have it checked by a dermatologist or general practitioner.

Is there anything I can do to prevent more moles?

Unfortunately, we cannot control whether we get more moles or not, as they are primarily genetic and can also be affected by exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. However, it is important to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen with a high SPF, avoiding sunburn, and wearing protective clothing and sunglasses when outdoors in bright sunlight. This can help reduce the risk of developing new moles and other skin problems.