20 May Mole Checks Matter! What You Can’t See Can Still Be Dangerous
Most of us know to wear sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and stay in the shade when we can—but fewer people think about what happens after years of sun exposure accumulate. Moles may seem harmless. Many are. But some aren’t—and the only way to know for sure is to have them examined by a professional.
At RefinedMD, we believe in the power of prevention. Annual mole checks are one of the most important, proactive steps you can take to protect your health. Skin cancer is one of the most common—and most preventable—cancers in the United States. When caught early, it’s also highly treatable. That’s why we encourage every patient, regardless of age or history, to make skin exams part of their regular wellness routine.
Why Annual Skin Exams Matter
Your skin is your largest organ, and it’s constantly evolving. A mole you’ve had for years can change slowly, and new growths can appear without warning. Some of these changes are harmless. Others are early signs of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin cancer doesn’t always look like a dramatic change. In fact, some of the most dangerous melanomas are small, faintly colored, or located in hard-to-see areas like the back, scalp, or behind the ears. A trained provider knows what to look for—and how to identify patterns and subtle irregularities that the untrained eye might miss.
That’s why annual full-body skin checks are essential. They provide a baseline and allow your dermatologist to track changes over time. When something does look suspicious, it can be biopsied and treated early—before it becomes a serious threat.
Who Should Get Skin Exams?
Everyone. That’s the short answer.
Even if you’re young, even if you wear sunscreen, even if you’ve never had a sunburn, you can still develop skin cancer. While some people are at higher risk than others, no one is immune. That said, you should be especially diligent about annual mole checks if you:
- Have fair skin, light eyes, or light hair
- Burn easily or had frequent sunburns in childhood
- Have a history of indoor tanning
- Have 50 or more moles, or any large/atypical moles
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Take medications that suppress your immune system
- Work or spend lots of time outdoors
At RefinedMD, we take your risk factors seriously—and we take the time to educate you on how to watch for changes and protect yourself year-round.
What Happens During a Mole Check
A mole check is a full-body skin exam performed by a board-certified dermatologist or medical provider trained in dermatologic detection. The process is simple and non-invasive.
You’ll be asked to undress to your comfort level and wear a gown. Your provider will examine your skin from head to toe, including often-missed areas like the scalp, behind the ears, between the fingers and toes, and even the soles of your feet. If any moles or spots appear suspicious, your provider may take a dermatoscopic image or recommend a biopsy.
A biopsy is a quick, in-office procedure that involves removing a small sample of the lesion for lab analysis. It’s usually done with a local anesthetic and takes just a few minutes. Most biopsies come back benign—but if skin cancer is detected, catching it early gives you the best chance of a complete cure with minimal intervention.
What to Watch for Between Appointments
While annual mole checks are critical, you should also keep an eye on your skin throughout the year. Use the ABCDEs of melanoma as a guide:
- A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- B for Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- C for Color: Multiple colors or uneven shading
- D for Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- E for Evolving: Any change in shape, size, color, or behavior (like itching or bleeding)
If you notice any new or changing moles between exams, don’t wait for your annual visit—book a checkup right away.
The Importance of Documentation
At RefinedMD, we document your skin using high-resolution imaging when appropriate. This helps us track mole changes with accuracy over time and provides a visual baseline. We also educate our patients on how to perform self-exams at home, using mirrors and photography to monitor hard-to-see areas.
Knowing your own skin—its patterns, its quirks, its “normal”—is powerful. It helps you catch changes early, and it helps us provide better care.
Peace of Mind Starts with a Simple Step
It’s easy to put off a mole check. Maybe you’re busy. Maybe it seems unnecessary. Maybe you’re nervous about what we might find. But the truth is: the earlier a problem is found, the easier it is to treat. Skin cancer caught in its earliest stages is almost always curable. Waiting is the only thing that makes it dangerous.
Whether you’re booking your first skin exam or returning for your annual check-in, RefinedMD is here to make the process seamless, supportive, and judgment-free. We’re not just looking for problems—we’re helping you prevent them.
Contact RefinedMD today by calling the office or completing the online form to schedule your annual mole check.