Bigger Moles More Often Are Melanomas

Moles larger than 6 millimeters are more likely to be melanomas, a study has found. The study supports current guidelines. Doctors now look at size to help decide which moles to check for melanoma. Moles larger than 6 millimeters are considered more suspicious. The new study looked at biopsy results for 1,657 moles or other abnormal areas. About 8% of moles larger than 6 millimeters were melanomas. The rate was only 4% among smaller moles. HealthDay News reported on the study April 22. It was in the journal Archives of Dermatology.