Examination of Moles and Warts: What Providers Look For

When medical providers examine moles and warts, they are looking for specific characteristics to determine if further investigation or treatment is necessary. Here is an outline of what they typically assess:

Mole Examination

Providers assess moles for the "ABCDEs" of melanoma, which are key indicators of potential skin cancer.

A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
B - Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C - Color: The color of the mole is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen.
D - Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
E - Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Additionally, providers will check for:

Elevation: Whether the mole is raised or flat.
Bleeding, itching, or crusting: Any changes in sensation or texture.
Location: Where the mole is located on the body.

Wart Examination

Providers examine warts to determine their type and whether treatment is necessary. They look for:

Appearance: The shape, size, and texture of the wart. Common warts are rough and raised, while flat warts are smooth and flat.
Location: Where the wart is located on the body, as different types of warts appear in different areas.
Number: Whether there is a single wart or multiple warts.
Color: Typically skin-colored, but can also be brown, gray, or black.
Symptoms: Any associated pain, itching, or discomfort.

Providers use a combination of visual examination, patient history, and sometimes additional diagnostic tests (like a biopsy for moles) to assess skin lesions and determine the appropriate course of action.

Examination of Moles and Warts: What Providers Look For