Living in beautiful Tustin, CA, means we get more than our fair share of Vitamin D. Between trips to the coast and afternoons in the Orange County sun, our skin is constantly working to protect us. At Enhanced Dermatology of Orange County, we want you to enjoy the sunshine, but we also want you to be the "captain" of your own skin health.

Most moles are harmless, but occasionally, a mole can transform into melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Knowing the difference between a "beauty mark" and a "warning sign" can quite literally save your life. Here is your guide to the "Mole Patrol" and when it’s time to give us a call.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Dermatologists use a simple alphabetical guide to help patients identify suspicious spots. When you perform your monthly skin self-exam, look for these five red flags:

• A is for Asymmetry: If you were to draw a line through the center of the mole, do the two halves match? Common moles are usually symmetrical; melanomas often look different on each side.
• B is for Border: Look for borders that are notched, ragged, blurred, or irregular. Non-cancerous moles typically have smooth, well-defined edges.
• C is for Color: Most benign moles are a single shade of brown. If you see multiple colors, shades of tan, brown, black, or even red, white, and blue, it’s time for a professional look.
• D is for Diameter: While melanomas can be small, they are often larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• E is for Evolving: This is the most important "E." If a mole is changing in size, shape, or color, or if it begins to itch, bleed, or crust, it needs an immediate evaluation.

The "Ugly Duckling" Sign

Beyond the ABCDEs, we often tell our Tustin, CA, patients to look for the "Ugly Duckling." Most of the moles on your body likely look similar to one another, they share a "family resemblance." An "Ugly Duckling" is a mole that stands out because it looks, feels, or grows differently than all the others surrounding it. If one spot looks like a "misfit" on your skin, it deserves a closer look under our dermatoscope.

What Happens During a Professional Mole Mapping?

If you find a suspicious spot, don't panic. At Enhanced Dermatology of Orange County, a skin cancer screening is a quick, painless, and thorough process. We use specialized magnification tools to look deep into the pigment structures of your skin.

If a mole looks concerning, we may perform a biopsy, taking a tiny sample of the skin to be tested in a lab. Most biopsies result in "benign" (non-cancerous) or "atypical" (pre-cancerous) findings, but catching these spots early allows us to remove them before they ever have the chance to become dangerous.

Prevention in the OC Sun

While "Mole Patrol" is about detection, we are also passionate about prevention. To keep your moles healthy:

• Wear Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+: Even on cloudy days in Orange County, UV rays reach your skin.
• Seek Shade: Especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is at its strongest.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: There is no such thing as a "safe" tan from a UV bed; it significantly increases your risk of melanoma.

Your Skin Health Partners in Tustin

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it deserves expert care. Whether you have a specific spot that’s bothering you or you haven't had a full-body skin check in over a year, our team is here to provide the peace of mind that comes with professional expertise.

Have you noticed a mole that has changed recently? Schedule a comprehensive skin cancer screening at our Tustin, CA, office by calling (714) 790-0005.