Moles are common skin growths that can range in size from pinhead-sized to larger than a half dollar. Most people have them. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and a variety of colors including black, brown, tan, red, purple, blue, or white. While many moles are benign (harmless), some can be cancerous.
If you have a mole that changes size, shape, or color; bleeds; itches; becomes crusty; or feels tender to the touch, it’s important to see a dermatologist for evaluation. This guide will help you understand more about moles, causes, different types & their significance and treatment options. Keep reading so that you can make informed decisions.
What are moles?
A mole is a cluster of pigment cells known as melanocytes. Moles develop when the cells grow in clumps instead of being spread throughout the skin
Most moles appear during childhood and adolescence. They may darken or change slightly in appearance as you age. It’s not unusual to have new moles pop up, especially after prolonged sun exposure
Moles can occur anywhere on your body, alone or in groups. They usually show up before age 20 and become less common after age 50. Just about everyone has a few moles, some people have hundreds
Causes of moles
The cause of moles isn’t fully understood. But they develop when skin cells grow in clusters or clumps instead of being spread evenly throughout the skin
There are two types of moles: congenital and acquired. Congenital moles are present at birth. They’re caused by an overgrowth of pigment cells (melanocytes) and appear darker than other moles because they have more melanin
Acquired moles develop later in life. They occur when unconnected melanocytes spread throughout the skin and cluster together. Sun exposure may play a role in their development, which is why acquired moles are more likely to be found on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, hands, and arms
Types of Moles
The three main types of moles are:
- Junctional melanocytic nevi: These moles form when melanocytes (pigment cells) grow in the uppermost layer of skin, called the epidermis. They’re usually round or oval with a smooth surface and well-defined border
- Compound melanocytic nevi: These moles occur when melanocytes grow in the upper layer of skin and extend into the lower layer, called the dermis. They tend to be larger than junctional nevi and have an irregular shape with a fuzzy border
- Intradermal nevi: Moles in this category develop when pigment cells grow within the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin. They’re usually small, round, and have a dome-like or raised appearance
Significance of moles
Most moles are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous. However, some types of moles can develop into melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer
While the vast majority of moles are noncancerous, it’s important to keep an eye on them for changes in size, shape, color, or other symptoms that could indicate melanoma
If you have any concerns about a mole, it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation. They can determine if the mole is cancerous or benign and recommend treatment options
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When should you worry about moles?
If you have a mole that changes size, shape, or color; bleeds; itches; becomes crusty; or feels tender to the touch, it’s important to see a dermatologist for evaluation
These changes can be signs of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma can occur in an existing mole or in normal-looking skin
Other warning signs of melanoma include:
- A new mole that appears during adulthood
- A mole that looks different from your other moles
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Treatment options for moles
- Most moles don’t require treatment and can be left alone. If you’re worried about a mole or it’s causing irritation, your dermatologist can remove it
Treatment options
If a mole is cancerous or precancerous, the goal of treatment is to remove the entire growth with surgery.
For noncancerous moles, treatment isn’t necessary unless you’re concerned about their appearance. In this case, you may opt to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
There are several ways to remove moles, including:
- Shaving:A sharp blade is used to cut the mole off at the surface of the skin. This method is typically used for small, flat moles
- Excision: The mole is cut out with a scalpel and the wound is closed with stitches. This method is often used for larger moles
- Curettage and desiccation: The mole is scraped off (curettage) and the area is then treated with an electric current (desiccation) to stop any bleeding. This method may be used for large, flat moles
If you have a mole removed, your dermatologist will send it to a lab for analysis. This is important because it can help determine if the mole was cancerous or benign
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Prevention
There’s no sure way to prevent moles, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen when you’re outdoors
Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat can also help protect your skin from the sun
If you have any concerns about moles on your skin, it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation. They can recommend treatment options if necessary and help you monitor your moles for changes that could indicate melanoma
Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found in areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms.
Most moles are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous. However, some types of moles can develop into melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer. While the vast majority of moles are noncancerous, it’s important to keep an eye on them for changes in size, shape, color, or other symptoms that could indicate melanoma.
If you have any concerns about a mole, it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation.
The bottom line
Moles are common skin growths that can range in size and appearance. While most moles are benign, some types can develop into melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer
If you have any concerns about a mole, it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation. Treatment options vary depending on the type of mole and whether it’s cancerous or noncancerous
