What should you know about different moles?

Moles, also called melanocytic naevi, form from pigment-producing cells. They may be present from birth or develop later, and their colour can range from pink or tan to dark brown. Some are smooth and flat; others are dome-shaped, hairy, or textured. A group of moles may share a family pattern, while sun exposure can contribute to new marks over time.

Atypical moles can look larger or less even than common moles. That description does not by itself diagnose melanoma. Clinicians look for change in symmetry, border, colour, size, or surface and may compare the lesion with photographs or inspect it using dermoscopy.

Check visible skin periodically, including the scalp, soles, palms, and areas covered by clothing when practical. Use photographs to record a suspicious mark without delaying an examination. Protect skin from ultraviolet exposure and avoid scratching or cutting a mole. If removal is appropriate, a clinician may recommend mole removal or surgical excision and decide whether the tissue should be examined in a laboratory.

Make a prompt appointment when a mole is changing, bleeding, crusting, persistently itchy, painful, or developing a new colour. Seek earlier care for a rapidly evolving mark or one that cannot be monitored easily. Home removal is unsafe: it can cause infection, scarring, and loss of tissue that a clinician may need to assess.

Ask what features make the mole worth monitoring, how often it should be checked, and whether a baseline photograph is useful. If removal is advised, ask about the method, wound care, possible scarring, and whether the complete specimen will be examined.