Moles

Your Moles Tell a Story. We Help You Read It.

Most adults have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles, and for the vast majority of people, they’re completely harmless. Some moles stay the same for decades, while others naturally appear, darken, or fade over time.

The challenge is knowing when a mole is simply changing with age and when it’s signaling something more serious.

That’s why regular skin examinations and monthly self-checks are so important. Detecting suspicious changes early gives us the best opportunity to diagnose melanoma before it becomes dangerous.

Not All Moles Are the Same

Common Moles

These are the moles most people have. They are usually round or oval, have a single, even color, and remain stable over time. Most common moles never require treatment.

Dysplastic (Atypical) Moles

Dysplastic moles look different from ordinary moles. They may be larger, have irregular borders, or contain more than one shade of color. Although they are not melanoma, they deserve careful attention because people with dysplastic moles have a higher risk of developing melanoma.

If a biopsy shows a mole is mildly, moderately, or severely dysplastic, your dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate next step. Some dysplastic moles are simply monitored, while others are completely removed to ensure all atypical cells have been eliminated.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It develops when pigment-producing cells begin growing uncontrollably. While some melanomas arise from existing moles, many develop as entirely new spots on the skin.

The key to successful treatment is finding melanoma early, before it has a chance to spread.

What Changes Should You Watch For?

Perform a monthly skin self-exam and look for:

A new mole that appears different from your other moles
A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
An irregular border
Multiple colors within one mole
Itching, bleeding, or a mole that won’t heal

One of the easiest warning signs to remember is the Ugly Duckling Sign. If one mole looks noticeably different from all the others on your body, it deserves a closer look.

Professional Skin Checks Matter

Even if you regularly examine your own skin, it’s easy to miss changes in hard-to-see areas like your scalp, back, or the backs of your legs.

A professional skin examination allows your dermatologist to evaluate your moles, identify suspicious lesions, and recognize subtle changes that may not be obvious to you.

If you have numerous moles, dysplastic moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, or significant sun exposure, regular skin examinations are especially important.

When Is a Mole Removed?

Not every mole needs to be removed.

Your dermatologist may recommend removing a mole because:

It has changed in appearance.
It looks suspicious for melanoma.
A biopsy shows dysplastic changes that warrant complete removal.
It becomes irritated by clothing or jewelry.
You would like it removed for cosmetic reasons.

Most mole removals are simple in-office procedures. If a mole is removed, it is examined by one of our board-certified dermatopathologists to confirm the diagnosis.

Schedule a Mole Evaluation

Whether you’ve noticed a changing mole, have many moles, or simply want the reassurance of a professional skin examination, our board-certified dermatologists are here to help.

Call (402) 933-0800 or book an appointment online today.

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MOLES