Question

during a self-exam, alina notices that a mole on her skin has increased a bit in size and seems a little bit thicker than it was before. she’s always had this mole for as long as she can remember, but now it seems to be growing. should she make an appointment with her dermatologist to have it checked?

no, because moles, birthmarks, or brown spots that have always existed on your body cannot at any time suddenly change and become cancerous.

no, because the mole is not pearly, tan, or multicolored, and only moles that fit that description are likely to be cancerous.

yes, because all moles, birthmarks, or brown spots on the skin, regardless of size, thickness, color, or texture, are most likely cancerous and need to be removed.

yes, because any mole, birthmark, or brown spot that increases in size or thickness, changes color or texture, or is bigger than a pencil eraser needs to be checked.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect because existing moles can change and become cancerous.
• The second option is incorrect as the description of "pearly, tan, or multicolored" is not the only indicator of a cancerous mole.
• The third option is incorrect because not all moles are cancerous.
• The fourth option is correct because changes in size, thickness, color, texture, or being larger than a pencil eraser are warning signs that a mole should be checked by a dermatologist.

Answer:

Yes, because any mole, birthmark, or brown spot that increases in size or thickness, changes color or texture, or is bigger than a pencil eraser needs to be checked.