Everyone has moles on their skin. These moles can appear anywhere from your face, hands, body, etc. Most moles will become present on your body by the age of 20 and are not a cause for alarm. Most mole patterns are determined based off of your family history and genetics. Some factors such as pregnancy and exposure to the sun can lead to changes in your moles, such as them darkening in color, changing in size, or even additional moles appearing.
Types of Moles
If you notice a change in a mole, or a new mole, you may find yourself wondering if it is a normal mole, or if it is a reason to see a doctor. The classification of your moles can be determined by its development and appearance.
Congenital Moles: Moles that are present when you are born are identified as congenital moles. This type of mole is rare, with somewhere close to only one percent of people recorded having them. Congenital moles may have an increased risk for developing into skin cancer.
Acquired Moles: Most of the moles that develop before the age of 20 are labeled as acquired moles. Most often, acquired moles are small in size and a solid brown tone. The belief is that most of these moles develop as a reaction to sun exposure. The majority of acquired moles are harmless and do not serve as a risk for skin cancer.
Atypical Moles: The majority of atypical moles are larger than a pencil eraser and irregularly shaped. This means often times they are not a regular circle, as most congenital and acquired moles are. Additionally, atypical moles are usually not a solid brown tone. They tend to be uneven in color, generally with a dark brown center. The outside of the moles may be lighter or even take on a reddish tone. These moles tend to be genetic and hereditary, these moles may have an increased risk for developing into skin cancer and should be closely monitored.
When To See Your Doctor
It is important to closely monitor your moles that way if a new one develops or if an existing mole does something suspicious, you are able to catch it quickly, as it may be warning of malignant melanoma, a potentially fatal form of skin cancer.
If you have a history of skin cancer or have a large amount of moles and freckles, it may be best to get your moles evaluated regularly.
At home you can examine and evaluate your own moles by remembering the ABCDEs of melanoma. If you have any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately:
-A for Asymmetry: Your mole is not the same on both sides, in color or shape
-B for Irregular Border: If your mole does not have a well defined round border, or the color changes towards the outside, this is irregular
-C for Varied Color: If your mole is not a solid brown tone, this is an irregularity. If you notice multiple colors such black, brown, white, red, and/or blue, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
-D for Large Diameter: Any mole larger than a pencil eraser needs to be monitored
-E for Evolving: If your mole changes in color, size, or shape this is irregular and should be monitored. Additionally, if you have a mole that develops past the age of 20, or suddenly becomes irritated- this is a cause for concern and should be brought to your doctor’s attention.
Wellspire Medical Group
8901 Farm to Market 1960 Bypass Road W #101
Humble, TX 77338