Mole Treatment

What Are Moles?

Moles are common skin growths that appear as brown or black spots, usually round or oval, and can be either flat or raised, smooth or rough, and may occur singly or in groups. They develop when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) cluster together, rather than spreading evenly throughout the skin, and most adults have between 10 and 40 moles. Most moles are less than 1/4 inch (6 mm) across, and while many develop before the age of 20, new moles can also appear later in life and may gradually fade over decades.​

Types and Risk Factors

Certain moles carry a higher risk of developing into skin cancer:

• Congenital Nevi: Moles present at birth; larger congenital moles are associated with a greater risk of melanoma.​

• Atypical (Dysplastic) Nevi: Irregularly shaped and larger than usual, often with varied color and blurred borders; these moles may appear different from others and are a sign for increased vigilance.​

• High Mole Count: Having 50 or more moles increases your lifetime risk of melanoma.​

Warning Signs and Self-Checks

While most moles are harmless, changes in size, shape, color, or texture may indicate a risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Some warning signs include bleeding, pain, itching, or scaling. It’s recommended to do a thorough skin self-check every month, examining areas that don’t get sun exposure, such as the scalp, armpits, and soles of the feet.​

The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

The American Academy of Dermatology’s ABCDE checklist can help you remember key features of suspicious moles:

• A – Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other in shape or color.​

• B – Border: The edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.​

• C – Color: Look for uneven colors or multiple shades within a single mole.​

• D – Diameter: A mole is concerning if it’s larger than 6 mm (about 1/4 inch), but cancer can develop in smaller moles too.​

• E – Evolving: Any mole that changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or exhibits new symptoms like itching or bleeding should be checked by a dermatologist.​

Regular monitoring and early detection are key to ensuring skin health and catching potential problems at their earliest stage.

Please note that this information is not an official diagnosis, nor should it be used for self diagnosis. For more information please reference the American Academy of Dermatology here.