www.melanoma.net.au

Moles

What is a mole?

A mole, or naevus, is a benign (ie. harmless) skin spot that forms from nests of the pigment forming cells of the skin called melanocytes. While sun exposure can increase the number of moles on the skin, your genetic background (eg. family history of moles) is the main factor that determines how many moles you will get. About half of melanomas arise from moles. However, the chance of an individual mole turning into melanoma is small.

What do moles look like?

Moles usually start their life as flat brown to black single coloured spots. These may slowly enlarge over time (years). As they raise they often lose their brown colour and become more lighter or more skin coloured. They are often regular in pattern and shape. Dysplastic moles are more irregular than the previously described "common" mole. However, they are also benign (harmless).

click on images to enlarge

Common moles

Dysplastic moles

Should moles be removed?

Moles are very common. The chance of an individual mole turning dangerous (ie. into melanoma) is very low. Finally, about half of melanomas arise from normal appearing skin. Therefore, even if all moles were removed from your skin, we would only halve the risk of you developing melanoma. For these reasons we only remove moles that are "suspicious" ie. are looking or behaving like melanoma.

What do I do to check my own moles?

We advise patients to check their own skin every 3-4 months. This is best done in front of a full length mirror. To check the back of your skin you can use a hand held mirror in front of the full length mirror. This enables you to comfortably check your skin without straining your neck. If any spot looks irregular (see melanoma pictures), or has changed in any way, you should see your doctor immediately. Remember that the majority of melanoma have no symptoms when they are found. Some may be itchy, and bleeding is a late sign. Melanoma, like other skin cancers, are only very rarely irritating to the touch. In the majority of cases they are detected solely by their appearance.

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