Moles, also known as naevi, are a very common type of skin growth often arising during childhood and adolescence. Moles may be flat or raised, and are typically pigmented, but can appear flesh coloured as well.
Moles may develop on any area of the body, including on mucosal surfaces such as in the mouth. Both genetics and sun exposure play a role in the development of moles. Hormonal changes throughout one’s lifetime, for example during pregnancy, may alter their appearance.
Monitoring your moles regularly is an essential part of your body care and skin health. It’s easy to do at home, simply by following the ABCDEs of Melanoma:
A – Asymmetry – is one half of the mole not like the other?
B – Border – does the mole have an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border?
C – Colour – are there varying colours from one area to the next, like shades of tan, brown or black?
D – Diameter – is the diameter greater than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, or has the size changed since you last checked?
E – Evolving – does the mole look different from the rest, or has it changed in size, shape, or colour.
Please consult your dermatologist immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots are a ‘yes’ to any of the above as it could be a sign of melanoma.
Most people have between 10-40 moles on their skin and they may range in colour, texture, shape and size. Moles may be tan, brown, black, pink, red and blue. They may be flat, smooth, or wrinkled.
Most moles are round or oval and measure less than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). However, some moles can be larger, especially those present at birth.
The majority of moles are benign. Rarely moles may develop into melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer. New and/or changing moles, and moles that develop symptoms such as itching or bleeding, may be a sign of melanoma and should always be examined by a healthcare professional. When caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.
Treatment of moles may include:
- Sun protection
- Regular skin examinations
- Mole mapping
- Skin biopsy
- Excision removal
