How to distinguish a safe mole from melanoma and when to see a doctor
Kyiv • UNN
Oncologist Andriy Gardashnikov named the symptoms of melanoma and the rules for safe tanning. To detect cancer, changes in moles should be evaluated using the AKORD system.
Melanoma Day in Ukraine in 2026 falls on May 18. The malignant cancer melanoma can masquerade as an ordinary mole, but early detection of the disease significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Oncologist Andriy Gardashnikov told a journalist from UNN more about which skin changes to pay attention to, who is at risk, and why even minor changes in moles should not be ignored.
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Melanoma is a malignant oncological disease that develops from melanocyte cells. These cells are responsible for skin pigment and tanning. Because of this, melanoma is often associated with moles, although not every skin growth is dangerous.
"Melanoma is a malignant tumor, the substrate of which is the melanocyte cell. These are the cells that have pigmentation and thanks to which we tan. I wouldn't say that melanoma looks like a mole. But very often it develops precisely on the site of a mole. Although there are also amelanotic melanomas that have no characteristic coloring at all,"
The doctor advises paying attention to the so-called "warning signals" of moles. For this, there is a special assessment system called "AKORD" or the international ABCDE system. They help to notice changes that may indicate the development of melanoma.
"While ordinary moles are often symmetrical and smooth, asymmetry may appear during the development of a malignant process. The edges become uneven, and the coloring becomes non-uniform. Different areas of the mole may have different colors. It is also important to pay attention to an increase in size, especially if the diameter exceeds 6 millimeters, and to any dynamics - bleeding, growth, or other changes,"
According to the oncologist, the appearance of one or more of these signs does not automatically mean a diagnosis of "melanoma." However, it is a significant reason to consult a doctor and undergo an examination.
"This is not a reason to panic immediately or diagnose yourself. But it is a reason to see a doctor. Specialists have a dermatoscope – a device that resembles something between a magnifying glass and a small microscope. Thanks to it, one can assess whether there is a suspicion of a malignant process. If suspicions are confirmed, then specialized diagnostic methods are carried out, "
People with a fair skin type who sunburn easily should pay special attention to the condition of their skin, the oncologist says. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the risk factors for the development of melanoma. At the same time, the doctor emphasizes that tanning itself is not prohibited, but it is important to follow safety rules.
"Most often, the risk group includes people with fair skin who frequently get sunburns. But this does not mean that others can treat themselves irresponsibly. You can tan, but not during the period of highest solar activity. It is recommended to be in the sun before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM. It is also important to use sunscreens and not spend hours continuously under the direct sun, especially after a long break,"
Separately, Andriy Gardashnikov advises regularly checking large moles and monitoring their behavior. If, after an examination, the doctor sees no suspicious changes, a preventive check-up once a year is usually sufficient. However, in case of any changes or doubts, one should absolutely not delay.
"If a mole is stable, does not change, and the doctor sees no threats, then it is usually enough to check it once a year. But if growth, color change, bleeding, or any other suspicious behavior appears, you need to contact a specialist immediately, because the earlier melanoma is detected, the better the chances for successful treatment,"