What is a Mole

Mole is a colored (pigmented) growth on the skin. Moles are very common. They are usually harmless, but some moles can become cancerous over time.

What are the causes?

Moles occur when pigmented skin cells grow together in clusters instead of spreading out in the skin as they normally do. The reason why the skin cells grow together in clusters is not known.

What are the signs or symptoms?

A mole may be:

• Brown or black.
• Flat or raised.
• Smooth or wrinkled.

How is this diagnosed?

A mole is diagnosed with a skin exam. If your health care provider thinks a mole may be cancerous, a piece of the mole will be removed for testing.

How is this treated?

Treatment is not needed unless a mole is cancerous. If a mole is cancerous, it will be removed. If a mole is causing pain or you do not like the way it looks, you may choose to have it removed.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Every month, look for new moles and check your existing moles for changes. This is important because a change in a mole can mean that the mole has become cancerous. Look for changes in:
  • Size. Look for moles that are more than ¼ in (0.64 cm) wide (in diameter).
  • Shape. Look for moles that are not round or oval.
  • Borders. Look for moles that are not symmetrical.
  • Color. Note that it is normal for moles to get darker during pregnancy or when you take birth control pills.
• When you are outdoors, wear sunscreen with SPF 30 (sun protection factor 30) or higher. Reapply the sunscreen every 2–3 hours.
• If you have a large number of moles, see a skin doctor (dermatologist) at least one time every year.

Contact a health care provider if:

• The size, shape, borders, or color of your mole change.
• Your mole, or the skin near the mole, becomes painful, sore, red, or swollen.
• Your mole:
  • Develops more than one color.
  • Itches or bleeds.
  • Becomes scaly, sheds skin, or oozes fluid.
  • Becomes flat or develops raised areas.
  • Becomes hard or soft.
• You develop a new mole.