What should you know about sun moles?

A mole is a collection of pigment-producing cells. Moles may be flat or raised, and their colour can range from light brown to very dark brown. Sun exposure can damage surrounding skin and may make monitoring more important, but the presence of a mole alone does not establish cancer. A clinician judges the whole pattern, including symmetry, border, colour, size, evolution, and whether the spot differs from your other moles.

Photographs taken in consistent lighting can help you notice change over time. They do not replace an examination, especially when a spot is new, bleeding, crusting, painful, or difficult to see.

Protect exposed skin with shade, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen used as directed. Avoid picking, cutting, burning, or applying home removal products to a mole. Arrange a skin check if you have noticed a change or cannot monitor the area clearly. If removal is appropriate, the clinician may discuss Mole Removal for a benign concern or Surgical Excision when complete removal and laboratory examination are needed.

Book a prompt assessment for a mole that changes in shape, border, colour, or size, or becomes persistently itchy, painful, scaly, crusted, or prone to bleeding. Seek faster care for a rapidly evolving spot or a sore that does not heal. Do not wait for symptoms if a clinician has already recommended review.

Ask what features prompted concern, whether the mole should be photographed or examined with a dermatoscope, whether removal is needed, and whether the removed tissue will be examined.