Are All Moles a Health Concern?

Although some people dismiss moles as harmless beauty marks, others worry about every new spot. Whichever camp you fall into, you should know when to brush it off and when to be concerned. 

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, we know moles. We also understand your confusion, given the variety of mole types and their potential to change over time. 

To help clarify things, Dr. Robert Topham is shedding light on the different kinds of moles, their causes, and how to determine whether a mole might require medical attention. 

What are moles, and why do we get them?

Moles, also called nevi, are common skin growths caused by clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Most moles appear during childhood or early adulthood and range in color from your natural skin tone to black. 

Some of the factors that may impact when and where you develop moles include genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy. While most moles are harmless, it’s important to monitor their characteristics and behavior over time. 

Different types of moles 

Moles aren’t all the same. Knowing the types can help you better understand which moles are normal and which might warrant a conversation with us. 

Common moles 

Common moles are typically small (less than 6 millimeters in diameter), round, and appear in uniform shades of pink, tan, or brown. They’re usually harmless and often fade or disappear with age. 

Congenital moles 

Congenital moles are those you’re born with. These appear in approximately 1 in 100 people. While the vast majority of congenital moles are benign, larger congenital moles pose a slightly higher risk of developing into melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. 

Atypical or dysplastic moles 

Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are larger than common moles and have irregular shapes, uneven colors, or blurry borders. Although benign, these moles are more likely to develop into melanoma over time, especially if you have five or more of them or a family history of skin cancer. 

Signs your mole might be cause for concern 

Not all moles warrant medical attention, but moles that change can signal potential health issues. Here’s how to assess whether a mole might need closer attention. 

The ABCDEs of melanoma 

The ABCDEs are a helpful guide for identifying moles that may require an evaluation. 

• A is for asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other 
• B is for border: The edges are irregular, scalloped, or blurred 
• C is for color: It contains multiple colors or uneven shades 
• D is for diameter: It’s larger than the size of a pencil eraser
• E is for evolving: It changes size, shape, color, or texture, or it itches or bleeds

If your mole exhibits any of these characteristics, call us for an exam. 

New moles after age 30 

Most moles appear before the age of 30. If you notice a new mole after this point in life, it’s worth having it examined. While it may be harmless, new moles in adulthood are less common and could potentially indicate skin changes that need attention. 

Changes in existing moles 

Keep an eye on moles that start to change in appearance or sensation. Warning signs include moles that become itchy, painful, crusty, or begin to bleed. It’s also worth noting if a mole suddenly grows taller or more raised. 

Personal or family history of melanoma 

If melanoma runs in your family, or if you’ve had it yourself in the past, you may be at higher risk for developing skin cancer. Regular mole checks and early detection are key to catching potential issues early. 

How we approach mole evaluation and removal 

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, we take your skin health seriously. When you come in for a mole evaluation, we carefully examine the mole with specialized tools to identify any concerning features. If it looks suspicious, we may recommend a biopsy, where we remove the mole or take a tissue sample to test for melanoma or other skin conditions. 

If necessary, we can also remove moles for medical or cosmetic reasons.

If you’ve noticed a new or changing mole, or just want peace of mind about your skin, book an appointment with Dr. Topham today. Call Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in Holladay, Utah.