Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black; they may be located, alone or in groups, anywhere on the body. A birthmark is a colored mark that appears soon after a baby's birth. Although many moles and birthmarks are completely benign and pose no health risk, some people choose to remove them because they consider them unattractive. Regularly using a strong sunscreen, and monitoring birthmarks and moles for changes, is highly recommended.
A mole should be examined by a physician if it is larger than 6 millimeters; itching or bleeding; rapidly changing in color, size and shape; multicolored; or located in a difficult-to-monitor area like the scalp.
Your provider at AllPhases Dermatology will tailor treatment to you. Potential treatments include:
- Taking a small tissue sample to biopsy
- Surgical removal
Moles FAQs
Most moles are harmless, but some may develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It’s important to monitor moles for changes in size, shape, color or texture as these could be signs of melanoma.
Moles are typically determined by genetics and sun exposure. You can reduce your risk of developing new moles by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
Moles can be flat or raised and their appearance can vary widely. Some moles may be barely noticeable, while others may be more prominent.
