What are moles?

Moles, also called nevi, are skin growths made up of a cluster of pigmented cells (melanocytes). Most moles are harmless and tend to appear during childhood. 

Most people have moles. It’s not unusual for an adult to have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles on their body. 

What are the types of moles?

Moles come in many forms and types, and some moles increase your risk of melanoma (skin cancer). Mole types include:

Common mole

If you have any moles on your body, they’re most likely common moles. These skin growths are small and round, with smooth edges and even coloring throughout. Common moles are generally brown, tan, or pink.

Atypical mole

An atypical mole, also called dysplastic nevus, is a large mole with an irregular shape and uneven coloring. An atypical mole isn’t cancerous but is a risk factor for melanoma.

Congenital mole

A congenital mole is a mole you’re born with and can vary in size. But if you have a large congenital mole, you’re at a greater risk of developing melanoma.

Spitz nevus

Spitz nevus is a non-cancerous (benign) mole that typically appears in childhood. They come in many colors, including pink, brown, black, or red. Spitz nevi and melanomas can be mistaken for one another because both lesions can bleed, be multicolored, and have some overlapping features under the microscope. Due to this, Spitz nevi are usually treated more aggressively and removed surgically.

What do melanoma moles look like?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that grows from the pigmented cells and can look like a mole. Knowing what to look for when examining your moles may help you differentiate between benign growth and cancerous growth.

MODERN Dermatology uses the ABCDE acronym to help patients identify moles of concern, which stands for:

• Asymmetry - one side of the mole is larger than the other 

• Border - border of the mole is irregular 

• Coloring - coloring throughout is uneven

• Diameter - larger than a pencil eraser

• Evolving - changing over time

If you have a mole with any of these characteristics, schedule an appointment at MODERN Dermatology for an evaluation.

What are the treatments for moles?

Treatment for moles varies. If you have a common mole that doesn’t bother you, you may not need any treatment. However, Dr. Thosani may remove a common mole if it causes discomfort or has a concerning feature.

If you have a mole that looks like melanoma, Dr. Thosani removes it right away and sends it to a pathology lab for a diagnosis. If your mole is melanoma, you may need additional treatments to remove the cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Moles are harmless in most cases. However, if you have a mole of concern, call MODERN Dermatology at (480) 712-8741 or request an appointment by visiting our Contact page today.