Is That Mole or Brown Spot Something to Worry About?

Most of us have moles, freckles or brown spots on our skin. Some have been there for as long as we can remember, while others seem to appear out of nowhere. It's easy to dismiss a new spot as another sign of aging or sun exposure, but how do you know when something deserves a closer look?

The reality is that not every brown spot is the same.

Not all brown spots are age spots

As we get older, years of sun exposure can lead to the development of solar lentigines, commonly referred to as sun spots or age spots. These typically appear as flat, brown patches on areas frequently exposed to the sun, including the face, hands, shoulders and arms.

Other common skin growths include seborrheic keratoses, which can have a waxy or slightly raised appearance, and ordinary moles, which vary considerably in shape, size and colour.

Many of these changes are completely harmless. However, certain skin cancers can resemble benign spots, particularly in their early stages.

What changes should you watch for?

One of the most useful things you can do is become familiar with your own skin.

Pay attention to spots that:

• Are new or noticeably different from your other moles

• Change in size, shape or colour

• Develop irregular borders or multiple colours

• Begin bleeding, crusting or failing to heal

• Continue growing or changing over time

It's also important to know that not every concerning lesion follows the classic ABCDE warning signs of melanoma.

A spot doesn't have to be painful or cause symptoms to deserve an assessment.

Why looking at a spot isn't always enough

Some lesions are straightforward to recognize, while others require closer examination.

Dermoscopy allows trained healthcare professionals to examine structures and pigment patterns beneath the skin's surface that aren't visible to the naked eye. This can help distinguish common benign growths from lesions requiring further investigation.

For patients with numerous moles or an increased risk of skin cancer, photographic monitoring may also help identify changes over time.

When should you book a skin assessment?

If you've noticed a new spot, an existing mole is changing, or there's simply something on your skin that concerns you, having it assessed is a reasonable next step.

At RemedyRealm in Sault Ste. Marie, we provide nurse practitioner-led skin assessments using dermoscopy and advanced imaging technology when appropriate.

You don't need a referral to book an appointment.

Your skin changes over time. Knowing which changes matter can make all the difference.

RemedyRealm | Nurse Practitioner-Led Dermatology & Skin Care | Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Book a Skin Assessment: www.remedyrealm.ca