Moles
Moles are a common type of skin growth that usually appear during childhood and adolescence, but which can continue developing into adulthood.
Overview
Moles are often small, dark brown spots that are caused by clusters of pigmented melanin cells, and they can change in appearance, or fade over time.
Often times, the body’s production of hormones can affect moles, causing them to increase in size or darken, so it is common to see the appearance or development of moles during puberty, and at other stages when hormones are especially active, for example in women who are pregnant or experiencing menopause.
Most people have 10-40 moles, and the majority of moles are harmless, but monitoring moles as well as any other marks on the skin is important, since some can develop into skin cancer.
Moles don’t usually cause other symptoms, and often people are more affected by the way they look than by any physical symptoms, which can negatively impact self-esteem.
Symptoms of Moles
Moles typically present as a brown spot, but they can present with different characteristics, for example;
Most moles are harmless and can be left untreated. However, some moles may develop into skin cancer, and therefore it is important to check moles regularly. Any changes should be noted and discussed with the GP or a dermatologist.
The British Association of Dermatologists (and others) recommends a simple ABCDE approach to identifying melanomas:
Identification of Moles
In patients who have many moles all over the body, it can be helpful to undergo mole mapping which will allow the dermatologist to track any changes over time.
While many patients can track their own skin, it can be difficult, especially if they have a lot of moles, or have moles in hard-to-see areas, such as the back and shoulders. This can be exceptionally hard to do for patients with mobility issues.
Read More about Mole Checks
Causes of Moles
Moles develop when skin cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment that give the skin its natural colour, grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin.
Moles may increase in size or darken with time, especially when hormones are very active, for example during puberty.
While moles are often associated with skin cancers, the majority of moles are not a sign of cancer. They should, however, be monitored for any changes.
Treatment of Moles at Derma
While your GP can often diagnose many unusual moles or suspicious growths, we are more than happy to see patients who prefer to consult a private dermatology specialist.
The appointment will begin with an examination of the skin (also called a skin check) followed by a discussion about your medical history. If you are seeking to have your child’s moles assessed, the dermatologist may ask questions about the medical histories of the parents.
Most moles don’t need treatment, but in some cases where a mole is abnormal, it may be cause for further investigation, which might include blood tests or a biopsy. In many cases where the mole is abnormal, the safest thing to do is to remove the mole completely by excision, then send it for analysis (histopathology).
If the moles are not of concern, you then have the choice whether you want them removed by excision or cryotherapy for cosmetic reasons, or you would prefer to leave them. Whilst we can normally remove the moles at the first appointment, you can also choose to go away and consider your options, and you will never feel under pressure to have surgery if you don't want to.
If you have many moles, it can be helpful to undergo mole mapping which will allow the dermatologist to track any changes over time. If there's a specific mole that you're concerned about, it would be best to book an appointment with one of our dermatologists to discuss your concerns.
Together with the dermatologist, you will be able to discuss how best to approach taking care of your moles, and if needed or desired, receive the latest and most effective treatments. The dermatologist will explain all potential side-effects, enabling you to select the best option for you, or for your child.
Whatever your needs, you can rest assured that Derma will provide the very best care with access to the latest research and treatment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When looking at a mole, if it is changing shape, colour or size then you should get it checked out. They are usually brown or black, but some can occasionally be pink or even white. If you have a mole that is changing and is different from your other moles, has irregular edges or is new in adulthood then it should be seen by a doctor.
When looking at a mole, if it is changing shape, colour or size then you should get it checked out. They are usually brown or black, but some can occasionally be pink or even white. If you have a mole that is changing and is different from your other moles, has irregular edges or is new in adulthood then it should be seen by a doctor.
Some moles have tiny blood vessels within them and can therefore scab intermittently. However, if your mole is changing colour or size and then develops a crust or scabs and feels tender then it should be reviewed by a doctor. Not all scabbing is a sign of skin cancer but it should be reviewed.
If you pick a mole it is likely to bleed and become sore. This should be temporary and shouldn’t need medical care. If it continues to bleed then it may need to be reviewed.
Removal of a mole is a surgical procedure that must be carried out in a clinical, sterile setting and should not be performed at home. There are risks of bleeding and infection in addition to the scarring that it will cause. The mole will generally need to be analysed in a laboratory to rule out a skin cancer.
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