Most Moles Are Normal
Whenever I get a new mole, I tend to assume the worst. Mainly, that’s because of all the unverified hearsay that I—and probably you—have absorbed over the years: that any new mole growth after 30 should be treated with suspicion; that raised moles are more concerning than flat ones; that even moles considered trademarks might wind up being dangerous. But you are right to be concerned about your moles: They could be a sign of melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.
To give us all some much-needed clarity on the topic, I sought the sage expertise of board-certified dermatologist Carly Roman, a partner at Seattle’s Modern Dermatology. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your moles screened, when to be concerned about new mole growth, and the most effective techniques for healing your skin following a mole removal.
When to Be Concerned (And When Not to Be)
For starters: Yes, you should be going to get your moles checked by a dermatologist regularly. Routine examinations are the best way to catch any potential threats early—and give you peace of mind regarding any benign new growths. Start by booking an annual skin screening (which your insurance will cover). It’s also worth examining yourself at home periodically between appointments. “Take a survey of your moles monthly,” Dr. Roman advises. “That way you will recognize anything new or changing.”
According to Dr. Roman, her patients are most commonly concerned about moles that elevate above the skin. “These frequently rub on clothing or jewelry and get the patient’s attention,” she explains. But elevation alone is not cause for alarm. Generally, raised moles are caused by a harmless nest of cells pushing upwards from the dermis, the second layer of skin. Dr. Roman also fields a lot of questions about a class of moles called congenital nevi—moles present at birth or which sprout shortly thereafter. “They are often larger, darker and may be associated with dark terminal hairs within them,” Dr. Roman adds. “Though in most cases they are stable and not worrisome.”
So, when should you be worried about a mole? Follow the ABCDE rule, which stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving. If you notice any of your moles growing in size, changing shape, containing multiple colors, or bleeding easily, it’s worth flagging to your dermatologist, who will then scan for patterns in the mole’s cells using polarized light and magnification.
Any abnormalities in pigment variation, size, or shape will require a biopsy, Dr. Roman explains. From there, there are three general outcomes: your mole will be deemed benign, cancerous, or atypical. Cancerous moles, of course, will require further medical attention. In the case of atypical moles, doctors will often excise both the mole and a small area of skin around it just to be safe. But don’t be too worried if you’re getting a mole biopsied, as the results are most likely to come back benign (I speak from experience some half-dozen times over).
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Whenever I get a new mole, I tend to assume the worst. Mainly, that’s because of all the unverified hearsay that I—and probably you—have absorbed over the years: that any new mole growth after 30 should be treated with suspicion; that raised moles are more concerning than flat ones; that even moles considered trademarks might wind up being dangerous. But you are right to be concerned about your moles: They could be a sign of melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.
To give us all some much-needed clarity on the topic, I sought the sage expertise of board-certified dermatologist Carly Roman, a partner at Seattle’s Modern Dermatology. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your moles screened, when to be concerned about new mole growth, and the most effective techniques for healing your skin following a mole removal.
When to Be Concerned (And When Not to Be)
For starters: Yes, you should be going to get your moles checked by a dermatologist regularly. Routine examinations are the best way to catch any potential threats early—and give you peace of mind regarding any benign new growths. Start by booking an annual skin screening (which your insurance will cover). It’s also worth examining yourself at home periodically between appointments. “Take a survey of your moles monthly,” Dr. Roman advises. “That way you will recognize anything new or changing.”
According to Dr. Roman, her patients are most commonly concerned about moles that elevate above the skin. “These frequently rub on clothing or jewelry and get the patient’s attention,” she explains. But elevation alone is not cause for alarm. Generally, raised moles are caused by a harmless nest of cells pushing upwards from the dermis, the second layer of skin. Dr. Roman also fields a lot of questions about a class of moles called congenital nevi—moles present at birth or which sprout shortly thereafter. “They are often larger, darker and may be associated with dark terminal hairs within them,” Dr. Roman adds. “Though in most cases they are stable and not worrisome.”
So, when should you be worried about a mole? Follow the ABCDE rule, which stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving. If you notice any of your moles growing in size, changing shape, containing multiple colors, or bleeding easily, it’s worth flagging to your dermatologist, who will then scan for patterns in the mole’s cells using polarized light and magnification.
Any abnormalities in pigment variation, size, or shape will require a biopsy, Dr. Roman explains. From there, there are three general outcomes: your mole will be deemed benign, cancerous, or atypical. Cancerous moles, of course, will require further medical attention. In the case of atypical moles, doctors will often excise both the mole and a small area of skin around it just to be safe. But don’t be too worried if you’re getting a mole biopsied, as the results are most likely to come back benign (I speak from experience some half-dozen times over).
