5 things to know about raised moles

When people talk about moles, they are usually referring to a variety of skin growths, including true moles — which are also called nevi — freckles and other growths. However, in dermatology, a mole is a very specific type of skin growth that looks a certain way under a microscope.

Ahead, I’ll share more facts you might not know about moles, including how to tell if they are healthy.

Raised or flat doesn’t mean healthy or unhealthy

We can’t rely solely on whether a mole is raised or flat to determine if it is healthy. Some moles and skin lesions naturally grow vertically rather than horizontally. Moles that grow up and down are going to feel more raised than moles that grow laterally.

Instead of whether a mole is raised or not, start with the ABCDE rule to help determine if your mole may be healthy or may be exhibiting signs of melanoma, a type of very high-risk skin cancer.

A is for asymmetry, or whether one half of the mole looks different from the other half.

B is for border. You can tell if your mole has an unusual border if it would be challenging to outline.

C is for color. Note if your mole is multiple colors.

D is for diameter. Is your mole larger than the size of a pencil eraser, or about 6 millimeters?

E is for evolving. Has your mole rapidly grown or begun to hurt, itch or bleed? If something is bleeding or painful, those are my signs that it should prompt attention.

You can also use the Ugly Duckling rule to determine if a mole may be abnormal. Ugly Duckling moles look different than your other spots. This could look like developing a black mole when all of the other moles on your body are brown.

If your mole meets any of the ABCDE criteria or follows the Ugly Duckling rule, make an appointment with a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening exam.

Having a high number of moles may increase your skin cancer risk

Having more moles — especially 50 or more — can increase your risk for melanoma.

If you have more than 50 moles, you are considered to have a higher risk for skin cancer and could benefit from an annual skin check with a dermatologist.

It is rarer to develop moles after age 40

Usually, after around age 40, people stop developing new moles. You can certainly develop other skin lesions after this age, though! Don’t be afraid to see a dermatologist about any type of new or rapidly changing spot on your skin, or a spot that bleeds, hurts or itches.

It’s possible to remove raised moles, but not always recommended

While it is possible to remove raised moles, many dermatologists prefer not to remove healthy-looking moles unless they bother or worry the patient. That’s because removing a mole can leave a scar. Moles can also grow back after they are removed, which can look atypical.

I also warn patients against getting moles removed by providers who aren’t dermatologists. While it isn’t common, it is possible to get a skin lesion partially removed that turns out to be cancerous. This can complicate and delay a skin cancer diagnosis.

If you have a mole that bothers or concerns you, talk to your dermatologist about the best way to proceed.

When in doubt, see a dermatologist

Check your skin every month. It can be hard to notice skin changes on a daily or weekly basis, but monthly check-ins allow you to note if a mole or other spot on your skin is dramatically changing.

If you wonder if a skin spot requires a trip to the dermatologist, I always recommend making an appointment. It can be hard to figure out what skin spots are normal on your own, not to mention challenging to check your own scalp or back.

At a skin screening, a dermatologist will look at your skin, sometimes with the help of a magnifying tool called a dermatascope. They may ask you questions about the history of the spot, how long it has been there and the changes that prompted your visit.

If your dermatologist sees any concerning spots, they may perform a biopsy. This involves removing a mole and looking at it underneath a microscope to diagnose if it is cancerous.

Another benefit of making an appointment with a dermatologist for a full body skin assessment? Your dermatologist can keep an eye on any skin changes that happen over time. In this case, preventive care is as simple as taking a look at your skin.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-693-6946.