Although your pattern of moles is most likely determined by your genetics, sun exposure can cause you to have more moles, and can cause the ones you already have to get darker. New moles tend to appear and existing ones tend to get larger and darker during your teen years and if you become pregnant.
Types of Skin Moles
If you have a mole, you may be wondering if it’s harmless or if you should see your doctor about it. A mole usually appears as a small, brownish spot on your skin, but can come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Depending on its appearance and when it developed, a mole can be classified as one of the following types: Examine your skin regularly, looking for any new skin moles as well as changes in the moles you already have. If you have a family history of atypical moles or skin cancer, or a large number of moles or freckles, your primary doctor may suggest that you see a dermatologist for regular skin evaluations. When you examine your moles, remember the ABCDEs of melanoma. If you notice any of the following, consult your doctor or dermatologist:
A for asymmetry: A mole in which one half of the mole does not look like the otherB for irregular border: A mole with a scalloped or poorly defined borderC for varied color: A mole that consists of multiple shades of black, brown, white, red, and/or blueD for large diameter: A mole that has a diameter larger than that of a pencil eraserE for evolving: A mole that’s size, shape, or color changes over timeNew moles: A mole that develops, especially if it appears after age 20Bothersome moles: A mole that bleeds, itches, or is painful
Removing a Skin Mole
Most moles are harmless and do not need to be removed. But if your dermatologist thinks your mole looks suspicious, or if you would like to have the mole removed for cosmetic reasons, it can usually be done quite easily. To remove a mole, your dermatologist will numb the area around your mole, and then shave or cut it off. After removing the mole, your dermatologist may need to close the area with one or a few stitches. The tissue will be sent to a laboratory to confirm that it is not cancerous. Most moles are harmless, but getting any suspicious ones checked out quickly will enable you to detect skin cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable.
