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Okay, so you’ve noticed a new mole, or maybe a few, and suddenly you’re hyper-aware of every little spot on your skin, right? I get it, ’cause we’ve all been there, staring in the mirror like we’re suddenly dermatologists. What’s the deal with these things anyway?
We’re gonna take a closer look at moles, what makes them tick, and what to watch out for, and honestly, it’s pretty interesting stuff.
- What Are Moles?
- Facts About Moles
- What Are The Types Of Moles?
- Causes Of Moles
- How To Distinguish Between Moles And Skin Cancer?
- Key takeaways
- FAQ, Myth & Facts
What Are Moles?
Okay, so the medical term for a mole is actually a melanocytic nevus. Basically, moles are small, colored spots on your skin. They can be brown, black, or even skin-colored, appearing as single spots or in clusters anywhere on your skin’s surface.
Most moles show up during childhood or in your early twenties. It’s pretty normal for adults to have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles. Some new moles pop up even later in life, too.
Moles usually change over time, sometimes getting lighter or smaller as you age. They might fade away entirely. But other moles can change in ways that should get your attention. For instance, hair can grow on them, they can get bigger, or the color can change, especially if:
- You’ve been getting more sun.
- You’re going through puberty.
- You’re pregnant.
Facts About Moles
Here are some important facts to keep in mind about moles and how they show up on your body:
- Moles can be flat or raised.
- Being exposed to a lot of sunlight during childhood can increase the number of moles you have.
- Most moles show up before you turn 30.
- Moles can change their appearance, like becoming lighter or darker than your skin.
- Surgical removal is the most common way to get rid of moles.
- Most moles are smaller than a pencil eraser, about 6 millimeters.
- Moles can show up anywhere on your skin, including your scalp, ears, face, under your nails, and in areas like your shoulders, arms and legs and even in the genital area.
Now, I think it’s worth mentioning something that wasn’t originally touched upon, and that’s the importance of using sun protection. Many moles are harmless, but repeated sun exposure can, over time, increase the risk of them becoming cancerous. We’re not saying they will! But it’s a good practice to use sunscreen with a high SPF factor and UV protection.
What Are The Types Of Moles?
There are several different types of moles, and here are a couple of the main ones:
1. Congenital Moles
Congenital moles are moles that are present on the skin at birth. The person has had them their entire life! These moles are fairly common; about 1 in 100 babies are born with one.
This type of mole is most likely to turn into skin cancer, especially if it’s larger than 19 centimeters.
2. Atypical Moles
Atypical moles are moles that people have, and that look different from other moles on their skin. Someone might have more than 100 moles. Characteristics of this type of mole include:
- These moles are more likely to turn into skin cancer.
- They’re usually bigger than a pencil eraser and irregularly shaped.
- They may run in families quite a lot.
- Their color may be uneven.
- Their edges might be fuzzy and irregular.
You should consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes in a mole to check if the mole is impacting your health.
Causes Of Moles
There are a number of potential causes for moles to show up, including the following:
- An increase in pigment cells that give the skin its natural color in one area instead of being spread all over the skin.
- Genetics inherited from parents.
- Daily exposure to sunlight for long periods.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or puberty.
- Certain skin conditions.
How To Distinguish Between Moles And Skin Cancer?
Most moles aren’t dangerous. However, the moles that are more likely to become cancerous are those that look different from the rest of the moles on your body, or those that appear for the first time after age 25.
It’s a good idea to check your moles regularly for any of the following warning signs, and if you notice any of them, you should visit a dermatologist:
- Fluid leaking from the mole.
- Itchiness or pain that goes on and on.
- One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
- The edges of the mole are jagged or uneven.
- The color of the mole isn’t the same as your other moles.
- The mole is larger than a pencil eraser.
- Changes to the mole in terms of size, shape, or color.
Key takeaways
- Most moles are non-cancerous, but monitoring them is important.
- Sun protection is key in preventing skin cancer.
- Regular check-ups with a dermatologist can help detect any irregularities early on.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Are moles always brown or black?
Not always! While brown and black are common colors for moles, they can also be skin-colored, pink, or even bluish.
Is it dangerous to remove a mole?
If done by a qualified medical professional, mole removal is generally safe. Never try to remove a mole yourself, as this can lead to infection, scarring, and difficulty in detecting future skin cancer. If the mole is cancerous, then your doctor should be the one removing it.
Do all moles eventually turn into skin cancer?
No, most moles are benign and will never become cancerous. However, some moles have a higher risk of developing into melanoma, a type of skin cancer, particularly those with irregular features or a family history of skin cancer.
Should I worry about moles that are raised?
Raised moles are common and usually not a cause for concern. However, it’s still essential to monitor them for any changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding, and consult a dermatologist if you notice anything unusual.
Is it true that people with more moles are at higher risk for skin cancer?
Having a high number of moles (more than 50) can increase your risk of developing melanoma. That said, most moles remain benign. It’s still crucial to practice sun safety and monitor your skin regularly.
When I noticed a mole changing color, I was really anxious. But the dermatologist explained everything clearly, did a biopsy, and gave me peace of mind when it turned out to be nothing serious. I am now more proactive about going to the doctor for a check up.
I always thought skin cancer only happened to older people, but finding an irregular mole made me realize anyone can be at risk. I’m now religious about sunscreen. It can be scary, but it’s crucial to get moles checked. Early detection makes all the difference.
I had a mole on my back that I couldn’t even see, and it turned out to be precancerous. I was so grateful my partner noticed something was off and encouraged me to see a dermatologist. Now I make sure to have regular skin exams.
So, yeah, moles can be a bit of a mystery, and dealing with them can make you worry, but hopefully this gives you a better understanding of what they are, what to look for, and when to maybe give your dermatologist a shout. Now, about my own skin, it’s time for me to schedule a screening too!
