- posted: Feb. 02, 2026
- Skin Conditions
Many of us in Boise, ID, enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle. Whether you are hiking the Foothills or spending a weekend on the river, your skin is consistently exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Over time, this exposure can lead to the development of new spots or changes in existing moles. At DeBlieck Dermatology, Dr. Jennifer (Jan) DeBlieck emphasizes that while most moles are harmless, a suspicious mole is something you should never ignore.
Leaving a changing or unusual mole untreated carries significant risks that can impact your long-term health.
The Danger of Delay: Melanoma and Progression
The primary concern with a suspicious mole is the potential for skin cancer, specifically melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body. When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. However, if left alone, a cancerous mole can grow deeper into the skin layers.
Once the cancer reaches the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process known as metastasis, it can spread to vital organs like the lungs, liver, or brain. Treating skin cancer at this stage is significantly more complex and dangerous than removing a localized spot early in its progression.
Beyond Melanoma: Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Even if a suspicious mole is not melanoma, it could be a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. While these are typically slower-growing, they are still destructive. If left untreated, they can continue to grow wide and deep, damaging the surrounding skin, nerves, and even bone. This can lead to significant disfigurement and requires more extensive surgical procedures, such as Mohs surgery, to resolve.
Identifying the Red Flags
At Boise, ID’s DeBlieck Dermatology, we encourage our patients to follow the ABCDE rule when checking their skin at home. It is time to schedule an appointment if you notice:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border: The edges are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
- Color: The mole has multiple colors or shades of tan, brown, black, blue, or red.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or begins to itch, bleed, or crust.
Peace of Mind Through Professional Screening
A professional skin exam is a simple, non-invasive way to protect your health. Dr. DeBlieck uses her clinical expertise to differentiate between a harmless "beauty mark" and a spot that requires a biopsy. Often, what a patient fears is a serious issue turns out to be benign, but having that professional confirmation provides invaluable peace of mind.
If you have a spot that looks different from the rest or has changed recently, please don’t wait. Early detection is your best defense against skin cancer. Call our Boise, ID, practice at (208) 939-5030.
- posted: Feb. 02, 2026
- Skin Conditions
Many of us in Boise, ID, enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle. Whether you are hiking the Foothills or spending a weekend on the river, your skin is consistently exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Over time, this exposure can lead to the development of new spots or changes in existing moles. At DeBlieck Dermatology, Dr. Jennifer (Jan) DeBlieck emphasizes that while most moles are harmless, a suspicious mole is something you should never ignore.
Leaving a changing or unusual mole untreated carries significant risks that can impact your long-term health.
The Danger of Delay: Melanoma and Progression
The primary concern with a suspicious mole is the potential for skin cancer, specifically melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body. When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. However, if left alone, a cancerous mole can grow deeper into the skin layers.
Once the cancer reaches the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process known as metastasis, it can spread to vital organs like the lungs, liver, or brain. Treating skin cancer at this stage is significantly more complex and dangerous than removing a localized spot early in its progression.
Beyond Melanoma: Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Even if a suspicious mole is not melanoma, it could be a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. While these are typically slower-growing, they are still destructive. If left untreated, they can continue to grow wide and deep, damaging the surrounding skin, nerves, and even bone. This can lead to significant disfigurement and requires more extensive surgical procedures, such as Mohs surgery, to resolve.
Identifying the Red Flags
At Boise, ID’s DeBlieck Dermatology, we encourage our patients to follow the ABCDE rule when checking their skin at home. It is time to schedule an appointment if you notice:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border: The edges are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
- Color: The mole has multiple colors or shades of tan, brown, black, blue, or red.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or begins to itch, bleed, or crust.
Peace of Mind Through Professional Screening
A professional skin exam is a simple, non-invasive way to protect your health. Dr. DeBlieck uses her clinical expertise to differentiate between a harmless "beauty mark" and a spot that requires a biopsy. Often, what a patient fears is a serious issue turns out to be benign, but having that professional confirmation provides invaluable peace of mind.
If you have a spot that looks different from the rest or has changed recently, please don’t wait. Early detection is your best defense against skin cancer. Call our Boise, ID, practice at (208) 939-5030.