Know Your Moles

Moles are quite common in people of all ages, and, for the most part, are non-cancerous (benign). However, it is important to know where each mole is, or isn’t and what they look like. If there are changes in the appearance of a mole affecting its color, height, shape or size then it is imperative that medical attention is sought. Changes such as this may mean that the mole is precancerous.

Types of Moles

There are various types of moles, which have their own characteristics:

• Average skin mole – A dark brown or black mole, generally round or oval in shape. These do not tend to be dangerous at all and can be found anywhere on the body. They are generally contracted before the age of 30. They can be any size, with some being raised whilst others are flat.
• Congenital Nevi – Moles that are present from birth. An estimated 1% of the population has this form of skin lesion. There is a greater risk of this type of mole becoming cancerous than the average skin mole.
• Dysplastic Nevi – Large moles with irregular shaped edges. The color also varies within this form of mole with it being darker in the middle and lighter as it radiates outwards. Those who suffer with dysplastic nevi could have over 100 of these moles on their body. With such a high volume of moles, there is a greater risk again of contracting skin cancer.

How to Tell if a Mole is Dangerous

Moles should be checked regularly to watch for changes. Even those which have remained the same for years should be watched for changes, especially those which are on places of the body which receive regular exposure to sunlight. Those with congenital or dysplastic nevi should be especially vigilant in checking the status of each skin lesion on the body. Whilst this may seem like a painstaking task, it could be very important should any changes be noted as treatments are more successful the sooner any dangerous diagnosis is made.

When examining each mole, there is a set of guidelines which are helpful to establish whether or not a person need be concerned. These are called the ABCDEs:

• A – Asymmetry meaning that the two halves of the mole are not the same. For example, one half is bigger than the other.
• B – Border; if the borders of the mole or not solid, rough or abnormal in any way.
• C – Color; if the color of the mole looks to be blotchy or has hints of different colors such as white, red or blue.
• D – Diameter; moles with large diameters (wider than a pencil).
• E – Evolution; if any of the previously mentioned change has occurred i.e. size, shape or color.

If any of these changes should occur, or if a new mole appears then individuals must see a doctor immediately. 

Mole Removal

If a mole is benign there are a range of non-surgical methods which can be used to safely remove troublesome moles. Many people do not bother with such methods and prefer to leave the mole alone as it is not doing them any harm however for some, the moles may be irritating or in a place where they are highly visible.

Moles that are suspected of being precancerous or cancerous require great care to be taken if they are to be removed and a doctor should be consulted to make sure it is absolutely safe to remove the mole. In most cases, surgical procedures are used to remove dangerous skin lesions of this kind.

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