As the weather warms up and singlets, shorts and swimwear come back out, it is worth taking a proper look at your skin before summer really gets going. Most moles are completely harmless. But knowing what a concerning mole actually looks like, rather than vaguely worrying about “that spot,” makes it far easier to know when a mole check Camberwell appointment is worth booking.
This article explains the ABCDE rule, a simple framework doctors use to describe the features that make a mole worth having examined properly.
Why December Is the Right Time to Check
Summer is when most of us are exposed to the sun more often, and it is also when existing spots become easier to notice, whether that is a partner spotting something on your back at the beach or you catching a glimpse of a changing mole in a change room mirror. Getting ahead of it in December, before the peak of an Australian summer, means any concerning changes get picked up earlier rather than being noticed in February after weeks of extra sun exposure.
The ABCDE Rule, Explained Simply
The ABCDE rule is not a diagnostic test. It is a practical way to describe the kind of changes that make a mole worth having a doctor look at.
A – Asymmetry
Most harmless moles are roughly symmetrical. If you could draw a line through the middle and the two halves look noticeably different from each other, that asymmetry is worth having checked.
B – Border
Ordinary moles usually have a smooth, even border. A border that looks notched, blurred, jagged or poorly defined is a feature doctors pay close attention to.
C – Colour
A single, even colour throughout is typical of a harmless mole. Multiple colours within the one spot, such as shades of brown, black, tan, red or even blue, are a signal to have it examined.
D – Diameter
Many concerning moles are larger than 6mm across, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, though melanomas can occasionally be smaller than this. Size alone is not the deciding factor, but it is one piece of the picture.
E – Evolving
This is arguably the most important letter. A mole that is changing, whether in size, shape, colour, or symptoms like itching, bleeding or becoming raised, is the single strongest reason to get it checked. Change over time matters more than how a spot looks at any one moment.
Other Signs Worth Mentioning to Your Doctor
Beyond the ABCDE framework, it is worth flagging a spot to your doctor if it:
- Looks different to your other moles, sometimes described as the “ugly duckling” sign
- Is new and has appeared in adulthood, particularly after your 40s
- Itches persistently
- Bleeds or oozes without an obvious injury
- Feels tender or painful
What to Do If You Notice a Change
If you spot any of the features above, the next step is straightforward: book an appointment rather than waiting to see what happens. Most changing spots turn out to be benign once examined properly, but a doctor is the only person who can make that assessment. Self-diagnosing from photos or symptom lists online only adds stress and delay.
At Camberwell Health, a changing or concerning mole can be assessed either as part of a full body skin check or as a targeted review of the specific spot, depending on what you need. If you have not had a full skin check recently, this is also a good opportunity to have one, since a single mole is rarely the full picture of your overall skin health.
Who Should Be Extra Vigilant
Some people carry a higher risk of melanoma and skin cancer generally, including those with:
- Fair skin that burns easily
- A large number of moles
- A personal or family history of melanoma
- A history of severe or blistering sunburns, particularly in childhood
- Significant cumulative sun exposure over the years, including from outdoor work
If any of this applies to you, it is worth discussing a regular skin check schedule with your doctor rather than waiting for a specific spot to raise concern.
Checking Your Own Skin Between Visits
Between professional skin checks, it helps to do a simple self-check every few months. Use a mirror or ask a partner or family member to check areas you cannot easily see yourself, such as your back, scalp and the backs of your legs. You are looking for anything new, or anything already there that has started to change according to the ABCDE features above.
Self-checks are a useful habit, but they do not replace a professional examination. Doctors are trained to notice subtle features that are easy to miss without medical training, and tools like a dermatoscope allow a much closer look than the naked eye.
Why Choose an Accredited Skin Cancer Clinic
Camberwell Health is an accredited skin cancer clinic, and Dr Hanna and Dr Sivarajah both hold specific accreditation in skin cancer detection and management. Combined with our Quality Practice Accreditation, this means mole checks here are backed by additional training beyond standard general practice.
Book Your Mole Check Before Summer
Do not let a concerning spot sit on your “get around to it” list through summer. Book online via HotDoc, call us on (03) 9882 0055, or visit us at 676 Burke Road, Camberwell. Eligible Medicare patients are bulk billed.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a professional skin examination. Please consult your doctor about any mole or skin change that concerns you.