What should you know about different kinds of moles?

A common mole may be flat or raised, smooth or slightly textured, and tan, brown, pink, or close to your natural skin tone. Some are present from childhood; others appear later. Atypical or dysplastic moles can be larger or more uneven in colour and outline than ordinary moles. A mole on its own does not identify cancer. A dermatologist considers the whole pattern, compares it with older photographs, and may use dermoscopy to inspect structures beneath the surface.

The useful distinction is often whether a mark is stable or changing. New asymmetry, a jagged border, multiple colours, growth, bleeding, or persistent irritation warrants assessment. These features can have benign explanations, but appearance alone cannot provide a diagnosis.

Keep a simple record of moles that are easy to see, using consistent lighting and occasional photographs. Protect exposed skin from ultraviolet light and avoid picking at a raised mole. A clinician may recommend observation, dermoscopic monitoring, or surgical excision when a lesion is difficult to classify or shows concerning change. Mole removal may also be discussed when friction causes repeated injury, but removal should be planned by a qualified clinician.

Arrange a prompt appointment if a mole changes in size, outline, colour, or surface, or if it starts bleeding, crusting, itching, or hurting without settling. Seek care sooner when a change is rapid or the mark is difficult to see clearly. Do not try to remove a mole at home: burning, cutting, or chemical products can injure skin and may leave no suitable specimen for examination.

Ask whether the mole looks typical or atypical, whether a dermoscopic photograph would help, and what exact changes should prompt review. If removal is suggested, ask whether the whole mole will be sent for laboratory examination, what scar care involves, and how the area should be checked afterwards.