Symptoms
Moles appear as brown or black spots, usually flat, but sometimes raised, dome-shaped, or bumpy. They can vary in size, shape, and color, but typically have a regular shape and pigmentation. Unstable moles often have an irregular shape and various colors, such as brown, black, and sometimes reddish tints. Suspicious moles may grow larger, change color, itch, be painful, or bleed, which can be a sign of melanoma.
Causes
Moles arise from an innocent disorder in the development of the skin. Hereditary factors and exposure to sunlight play an important role in the formation of moles. Excessive sun exposure, especially during the first 15 years of life, contributes to the development of moles. A mole may be congenital or develop later.
Diagnosis
A doctor can make the diagnosis by looking at the appearance of the mole. Sometimes a dermatoscope is used to further examine the skin. If there is doubt, a mole is removed under local anesthesia and examined microscopically.
Treatment
A benign mole does not need treatment, but it can be removed for cosmetic reasons by electrocoagulation or excision. If melanoma is suspected, the mole is always removed and examined.
Self-care tips
Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially in young children. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and avoid tanning beds. Regularly check moles and be alert to changes, especially for people with many moles or a family history of melanoma.
Other
The prognosis for melanomas is good when detected early. Regular check-ups by a dermatologist are important for people at higher risk. Most melanomas can be successfully treated if detected in an early stage.