Patient education: Moles (The Basics)

What are moles? — Moles are small spots on the skin. They are usually darker than the rest of the skin, and might look brown, black, red, gray, or blue in color. They can be flat or raised.

Moles can appear anywhere on the body. New moles can form in babies, children, or adults. Some people have no moles, while others have many. If other people in your family have a lot of moles, it is more likely that you will, too. Moles are more common in White people, but they can affect people of any skin color.

The medical term for moles is "melanocytic nevi." Melanocytes are the cells that give your skin color. Moles happen when these cells grow in groups or clusters.

How do I know if a mole is normal? — Most of the time, moles are normal and do not mean that you have a health problem. There are different types of moles. The most common type of mole usually:

●Is even in shape

●Has smooth borders

●Is 1 color

●Is small

●Stays the same over time

It's important to know that a serious form of skin cancer called "melanoma" can start out looking like a mole. But there are some differences. One way to remember the abnormal features of melanoma is to think of the letters A, B, C, D, and E (picture 1):

●Asymmetry – One half can look different than the other half.

●Border – It can have a jagged or uneven edge.

●Color – It can have a mix of colors.

●Diameter – It is larger than the eraser on the end of a pencil.

●Evolution – Its size, color, or shape can change over time.

Some non-cancerous moles can have these features, too.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — If you have a mole that you think might be abnormal, show it to your doctor or nurse. You should also see a doctor or nurse if a mole is itchy, painful, or bleeding. They will look closely at your mole and the rest of your skin. In some cases, they might suggest seeing a "dermatologist" (a skin doctor).

If the doctor thinks that anything looks abnormal, they might do a "biopsy." This involves removing a mole or a small sample of skin to check for cancer cells.

How are moles treated? — Normal moles do not need to be treated. But it's important to be aware of any moles you have. This way, you can know if they change over time, or if new moles form.

If you do not like how a mole looks, or if it rubs against your clothing and bothers you, tell your doctor or nurse. In some cases, a mole can be removed.

Never try to remove a mole yourself. This includes using products that claim to treat moles at home. Trying to remove a mole yourself could lead to injury, scarring, or other problems.

What can I do to lower my risk of skin cancer? — People with lots of moles are at higher risk for melanoma. If you have a lot of moles, or if you have had abnormal moles in the past, your doctor might recommend regular skin checks. This can include checking your skin on your own every month, as well as seeing a doctor for an exam every year.

You can also help prevent melanoma by protecting your skin from the sun:

●Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day (from 10 AM to 4 PM).

●Wear sunscreen, and reapply it often.

●Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, or long pants.

●Never use tanning beds.

More on this topic

Patient education: Melanoma skin cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Non-melanoma skin cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Sunburn (The Basics)

Patient education: Melanoma treatment; localized melanoma (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Melanoma treatment; advanced or metastatic melanoma (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Sunburn (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Sunburn prevention (Beyond the Basics)