With the arrival of the heat, moles regain prominence and are under the magnifying glass. Rising temperatures force the skin to be more exposed. Why is mole control important? Are they indicators of skin cancer? In which case should they be removed? . From the Argentine Society of Dermatology (SAD), Ana Clara Acosta, coordinator of the National Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign, referred to the need for annual mole control. "Moles (or nevi) should be checked at least once a year. Certain characteristics must be kept in mind that are summarized in the ABCDE that we use to analyze the highest risk lesions: asymmetry, irregular edges, various colors, diameter greater than 6 millimeters (mm) and evolution or changes over time," Acosta said in dialogue with Télam-Confiar. And he continued: "Skin cancer presents in different ways, not only the moles with their suspicious characteristics already described, but other new red-pink lesions, which grow, itch, get hurt and do not heal. In general they are located on areas chronically exposed to the sun. Along these lines, he determined that moles are removed only when there is suspicion of malignancy, they are not removed for "prevention." "Prevention is clinical, by self-monitoring the skin or in the control carried out by the dermatologist. There are some special studies with precise indications for people who have many moles or a history of melanoma," he explained. And he added that "we all have our 'genetic load' of the number and type of moles we have in life; what does change is the genetic damage that occurs in skin that is not protected from ultraviolet rays." Regarding skin cancer, Acosta emphasized: "It affects any population, some tumors related to skin type (especially patients with light skin, blonde or red hair and light eyes). The regions of the country are related to the level of radiation received. Some skin cancers can cause death. If an early diagnosis is achieved, the prognosis is better."