Also called nevi
Moles are common. Almost every adult has a few of them. Adults who have light skin often have more moles. They may have 10 to 40 moles on their skin. This is normal.
Most moles appear on the skin during childhood and adolescence. Moles will grow as the child (or teen) grows. Some moles will darken, and others will lighten. These changes are expected and seldom a sign of melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer.
For adults, new moles and changes to existing moles can be a sign of melanoma. Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.
Here are three facts that can help you find melanoma early and get treatment:
A change to a mole or a new mole is often the first sign of melanoma
You can find melanoma early by checking your own skin
If you see a mole or other spot that’s growing, itching, bleeding, or changing in any way, immediately make an appointment to see a dermatologist
treatment
A dermatologist’s trained eye can often tell whether a spot is a mole.
Most moles do not require treatment. A dermatologist will remove a mole that is:
Bothersome (rubs against clothing, etc.)
Unattractive to a patient
Suspicious (could be skin cancer)
A dermatologist can usually remove a mole during an office visit. Most removals require only one office visit. Occasionally, a patient may need to return for a second visit.
Whether it’s during one or two visits, a dermatologist can safely and easily remove a mole. A dermatologist will use one of these procedures:
Surgical excision: The dermatologist cuts out the entire mole and stitches the skin closed if necessary. Your mole will also be looked at under a microscope by a specially trained doctor. This is done to check for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, your dermatologist will let you know.
Surgical shave: The dermatologist uses a surgical blade to remove the mole. In most cases, a specially trained doctor will examine your mole under a microscope. If cancer cells are found, your dermatologist will let you know.
