Health Tip: Identifying an Ordinary Mole

(HealthDay News) — If you’re trying to figure out if you have an ordinary mole or a skin patch that could be cancerous, the American Academy of Dermatology offers these tell-tale signs of an ordinary mole:

  • It’s generally only one color, commonly brown, pink, red, blue, black or flesh-colored.
  • It’s symmetrical, meaning one side is shaped the same as the other.
  • It’s flat or only slightly raised from the skin.
  • It seldom changes in appearance.

If you have an unusual patch of skin that doesn’t fit these descriptions, visit a dermatologist without delay.