Moles, also known as beauty marks, are common, usually harmless growths on the skin. On average, a person may have as many as 40 during their youth. These typically fade away with time, but some may change or pose a threat to your health, which is why it’s important to schedule regular mole examinations with your dermatologist.

What You Need to Know About Moles

What exactly is a mole?

Medically known as nevi, moles can appear anywhere on the body. They may resemble your skin color or look black or brown in color. The average mole will last for as long as 50 years. During this time, it may undergo many changes to its shape, structure, and color; others may disappear completely.

What types are there?

There are three varieties of moles, including common nevi. This is categorized as a “normal” mole with a distinct border and either a black, brown, or pink color. Congenital nevi are those that appeared at birth. Not everyone has these, and they have a greater risk of developing into skin cancer than other varieties. The final variety is dysplastic nevi, which are irregular in shape, with uneven colors, dark brown middles, and jagged edges. They’re often inherited, and people with these moles are more likely to develop malignant melanoma. 

Which moles could be harmful?

The majority of moles are harmless and not a cause for concern. You should, however, be mindful of those that change in appearance, any mole that develops after the age of 30, and moles that are larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser. Look for specific differences from its previous state in terms of its thickness, shape, size, and color. Always see a dermatologist for a mole examination if you have any that itch, bleed, ooze, or cause pain. 

What is the treatment?

After the examination, your doctor may perform a biopsy to test the mole for cancer. If it’s positive, a surgeon will remove it and perform testing to ensure that no traces of cancer remain. Typically, both the mole and a section of normal skin and tissue surrounding the mole are removed.

If you’re concerned about your moles or have questions about your skin, rely on the professionals at Heibel Dermatology LLC to provide the quality of care you deserve. Proudly serving patients throughout Lincoln and Columbus, NE, these dermatologists offer a range of services to ensure your skin stays healthy. Turn to them for mole examination, treatment for psoriasis and acne, and a host of other solutions. Visit the website for more information, or call (402) 488-6969 to schedule an appointment.