These types matter because the outlook for treatment and cure differs. If distant areas are involved, most patients survive less than a year. In general, the older the patient the greater is the vertical thickness of the tumor. About two-thirds of white adults have ten or twenty, but rarely more, pigmented moles. You would call it an ugly, changing, or unusual mole.
Treatment is by surgical removal, occasionally with removal of the regional lymph glands.
Self examination with a stand-up mirror and a hand mirror and a hair blower for the scalp will take only a few moments. Sunscreens absorb or reflect harmful ultraviolet light and are rated by sun protection factor and an SPF sunscreen of 15 or greater should be used which means protect skin. If not, we must look for black melanoma which writes its message in the skin with its own ink. It is there for all of us to see - if we will look with an educated eye. All rights reserved.