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
- Are moles dangerous?
- 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.
- How can I prevent moles?
- 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.
- Are all moles flat?
- Moles can be flat or raised and their appearance can vary widely. Some moles may be barely noticeable, while others may be more prominent.