Complete Guide to Moles

Moles are an extremely common type of skin growth. In fact, nearly 100% of adults have at least one mole on their body, with the majority of adults having approximately 10-40 moles.

People with fair skin are more likely to have moles and are far more likely to have several moles on multiple parts of the body. 

What is a Mole?

A mole is a cluster of pigmented cells (melanocytes) that can appear anywhere on the body. 

The majority of moles are a medium-brown or dark brown color, are circular or oval in shape and are less than 6 mm in diameter. 

Hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and puberty can cause exisiting moles to get darker or grow larger. 

The majority of moles are harmless skin growths that never cause serious concern. 

However, some types of moles (known as atypical moles or dysplastic nevi) can grow extremely large and have a strange texture. 

What Are Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi)?

Dysplastic nevi look different than common, or typical, moles.

Common features of dysplastic nevi include:

• Large size (greater than 6 mm in diameter or greater than the size of a pencil eraser)
• Asymmetric shape (Uneven shape, creating a "fried egg" appearance)
• Irregular margins (the edges of dysplastic nevi are often notched, scalloped or wavy)
• A multi-colored appearance (DV contain a variety of colors, including brown, black, and pink in the same lesion)

The majority of dysplastic nevi do not develop into melanomas (skin cancer). However, it is more common for a dysplastic nevus to become malignant than a typical mole. 

It is important for people with multiple dysplastic nevi moles to have them checked regularly by a healthcare professional. Mole biopsy may be recommended for individuals who are at unique risk of developing melanoma.

What Do Healthy Moles Look Like?

Moles can also be light brown, pink, black or even a light blue color.   

Some common moles are raised and have a textured surface, while others are smooth and flush with the skin. Some moles have hair growning out of them. 

The likelihood of typical moles developing into melanoma is extremely low. People who have more than 50 common moles are at greater risk of developing melanoma. 

Many people with unsightly or large moles opt to have them removed, even if they aren't cancerous. 

Dysplastic nevi are larger than typical moles and are more likely to develop into skin cancer. As a result, many individuals with suspect DV elect to have them removed. 

Many individuals who have typical moles opt to have them removed due to cosmetic concerns. Having a large number of moles, especially on the face, neck or chest, can negatively impact a person's self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Mole removal is typically an uncomplicated procedure that can be completed quickly and easily in your doctor's office. 

Surgical Shaving

Surgical shaving is typically recommended for superficial, non-cancerous moles. Many times, a patient will choose this procedure because they dislike how raised or textured a mole is. By shaving the mole down, the surface of the skin becomes smooth. 

During this procedure, a patient is given local anesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain. Then, your healthcare provider will remove your mole with a surgical razor by shaving it off in layers, down to the surface of your skin. This procedure does not require an excision or stitches. 

Surgical shaving poses a smaller threat of scarring or complications than surgical mole excision. However, because all moles sit at least partially under the skin's surface, shaving may not remove all of the mole. As a result, the mole may grow back in the years following a surgical shave procedure. 

Some patients opt for a deep shave removal, which uses the same technique of shaving the mole down. However, a deep shave removal removes layers of a mole that may sit beneath the skin's surface. Because deeper layers of skin are being shaved, this procedure leaves a permanent indentation in the skin. However, it is extremely unlikely that a mole removed by deep shave excision will grow back in the future. 

Surgical Mole Excision (Full Thickness Excision)

Surgical mole excision--known as full-thickness excision--removes both the raised part of a mole and any parts of the mole that sit under the skin's surface. 

During this procedure, your healthcare professional will make an excision around your mole, penetrating the entire thickness of skin. This ensures that the entire mole and any related tissue around or beneath the mole is removed. This procedure is preferred for moles that have the potential to become cancerous in the future. 

It's important to note that surgical mole excision requires a surgical cut and stitches, it is more likely to cause a visible scar. 

It is important for every person to have their moles checked regularly by a healthcare professional who is trained in identifying problematic moles.

For people with atypical or large moles, a biopsy and mole removal may be recommended to prevent the development of melanoma. 

TIP: If you have a large or concerning mole, visit a trained dermatology specialist to have it evaulated.