Moles symptoms & treatment

Moles are spots on your skin that are typically darker than the surrounding skin. They may be flat or raised. Almost everyone has at least one mole. Most of the time, they’re nothing to worry about. However, sometimes a change in a mole or new or irregular moles can indicate skin cancer (melanoma).

What is a mole?

Skin moles (nevi) are caused by clusters of pigmented cells called melanocytes. These cells group together to form a mole on your skin, usually during childhood. Genetics play a significant role in the number, type and location of your moles.

Moles may develop on any part of your skin, including your face, scalp and feet. Your moles typically last around 50 years, gradually lightening in color, becoming raised and eventually fading away as you age. New moles can develop on your skin over time, often because of sun exposure. You can also be born with a mole.

If you have fair skin, you have a lighter skin tone that is more prone to sunburn and sensitivity to UV rays. This skin type often has 10 to 40 moles. If you have more than 50 moles, you’re at a greater risk of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer that can form on or around a mole. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type.

Types of moles

There are three types of moles: Common, atypical (dysplastic) and congenital. Most moles are benign and generally harmless (common moles). Atypical moles and congenital moles carry a higher risk of becoming cancerous and are the skin moles you may need to worry about.

• Common moles: These are normal moles that appear during childhood or young adulthood (acquired). They normally don’t appear after age 30.
• Atypical moles: Moles that are larger than average, are multiple colors or irregularly shaped.
• Congenital moles: Moles that you’re born with. If these moles are atypical, they’re more likely to develop skin cancer than acquired moles.

Irregular mole symptoms

There are five things dermatologists look for when checking for potentially irregular moles:

• Asymmetry: Does the mole look similar on both sides or is it irregularly shaped?
• Border: Is the border of the mole well-defined and smooth, or is it jagged and irregular?
• Color: Is the mole one solid color or does it have more than one color?
• Diameter: Is the mole larger than a standard pencil eraser?
• Evolving: Has the mole always looked like this, or has it changed in size, color, shape or thickness?

How do moles differ from freckles & skin tags?

Smaller moles on your skin may be mistaken for freckles, a common genetic trait in people with fair complexions. While freckles are flat like some moles, most moles tend to be raised from your skin’s surface. Freckles pose no threat of skin cancer and usually appear on sun-exposed areas of your skin, like your face, shoulders and chest.

Skin tags are soft, small growths that hang off your skin. They are usually flesh-colored and found in areas of your skin that rub against clothing or other skin. Skin tags are usually benign.

Risk factors for cancerous moles

While moles are primarily hereditary, there are several risk factors that may put you at risk of developing a skin cancer mole:

• Family history of skin cancer
• Fair skin, light hair and light eyes
• Excessive sun exposure or use of tanning beds
• Having many moles or unusual moles
• History of severe sunburns, especially in childhood

If you have a higher risk of a skin cancer mole, it's important to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear sunglasses with UVA protection and use a wide-brimmed hat to shield your head, face and shoulders when outdoors.

When should I worry about a mole?

You should see a dermatologist if you notice any irregular mole symptoms or if your mole is bleeding, itchy or painful.

If you have a lot of moles, it’s important to be vigilant about your skin health. When you have over 50 moles, it can be challenging to notice new ones. Our dermatologists recommend annual skin cancer checks so they can monitor your moles and identify any suspicious changes or spots.

Treatment options for moles

Most moles don't need treatment. If your dermatologist suspects you have skin cancer on or around an irregular mole, it needs to be removed.

You might want to have common moles removed for cosmetic reasons, or if they’re causing discomfort when they catch on jewelry or rub against clothing.

Mole removal

Your dermatologist is usually able to remove any moles during an office visit. They may do an excision biopsy, where they remove the entire mole after numbing the area with an anesthetic and use stitches to close the skin for healing.

Or they may use a surgical blade to shave off the mole. Laser mole removal and freezing with liquid nitrogen are also common methods used to remove moles.

For face moles or moles in more visible areas, you may be referred to a cosmetic surgeon to avoid scarring.

Once your mole is removed, your dermatologist will test it to see if it’s cancerous. If cancer is found, you’ll need more tests to determine whether the cancer has spread and what sort of treatment might be necessary.

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