Moles

Moles are common growths made of pigment cells. Most adults have between 10 and 40, and most are harmless. A mole that is new in adulthood, changes over time or looks different from your other moles should be checked, because these can be early signs of melanoma.

Our providers examine moles, biopsy any that look concerning, and remove moles that are bothersome or that you would like gone for cosmetic reasons.

Signs a mole should be checked

Dermatologists use the ABCDEs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: one half does not match the other
• Border: edges that are uneven, scalloped or blurry
• Color: more than one color, or uneven shading
• Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser, although melanomas can be smaller
• Evolving: any change in size, shape, color or height, or new itching or bleeding

How we check moles

Your provider looks at each mole, often with a dermatoscope, and compares it with your other moles. If a mole looks concerning, we can take a biopsy the same day. If you have many moles, we may suggest mole mapping so changes are easier to track.

Mole removal

We remove moles that are suspicious, that catch on clothing or jewelry, or that you do not like the look of.

• Shave removal: a raised mole is removed with a blade at an appropriate depth. Stitches are usually not needed.
• Excision: the mole is cut out and the skin is closed with stitches. This is used when the whole mole needs to be removed and checked.

Every mole we remove is sent to a lab for testing. Removing a mole leaves a mark or scar. Your provider will talk you through which method is best for your mole and where it is.

Where it is offered

Moles Q&A

Related care

• Skin checks and skin cancer screening
• Mole mapping and full-body photography
• Biopsies
• Melanoma and high-risk follow-up