Multiple nevi, known as moles, are growths on the skin. Moles are skin cells (melanocytes) that grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. Moles appear in childhood either alone or in groups. As the years pass, moles usually slowly change by becoming raised or changing color. While moles rarely become cancerous, it’s important to know the difference between a mole and skin cancer (melanoma).
Moles usually have these characteristics:
Moles usually appear at birth, in childhood or early adulthood. They can darken and change throughout the years or with hormone changes such as pregnancy.
Moles are usually diagnosed by your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist) with the naked eye or a dermatoscopy (microscopic lens to see the skin closely).
To spot the differences between a normal mole and a cancerous melanoma use the ABCDE method. The mole might be cancerous if it’s:
If you find a new mole or see a major change in an existing mole, tell your doctor or dermatologist.
Moles that are non-cancerous may simply be watched for changes. If your doctor or dermatologist suspects it could be cancerous, they may take a biopsy (removing a tiny piece of tissue for examination). If it’s cancerous, it’ll be surgically removed. Further treatment would depend on a variety of factors.
Parkview Research Center, in collaboration with Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute, provides innovative clinical research dedicated to advancing cancer care.