Skip to main content

Moles

If a mole starts to grow, itch, or bleed, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

Moles: Overview

Also called nevi

Moles are common. Almost every adult has a few moles. Adults who have light skin often have more moles. They may have 10 to 40 moles on their skin. This is normal.

You should not be overly worried about your moles. But you should know:

Moles in children: What parents should know

Moles on a young child’s skin are generally nothing to worry about. It is normal for new moles to appear during childhood and adolescence. Moles will grow as the child grows. Some moles will darken, and others will lighten. These changes are expected in children and seldom a sign of melanoma — a type of skin cancer that can begin in a mole.

Image property of the American Academy of Dermatology.


Moles: Signs and symptoms

People often want to know how they can tell a mole from a melanoma. Here is a general rule.
 

Mole

A mole on your body has these traits:
 

ABCDEs of Melanoma

Your moles may not look alike. Even in the same person, moles can differ in size, shape, or color. Moles can have hair. Some moles will change slowly over time, possibly even disappearing.
Moles can appear anywhere on the skin. Moles develop on the scalp, between the fingers and toes, on the soles and palms, and even under the nails.

Melanoma

If you see a mole or new spot on your skin that has any of the ABCDEs of melanoma, see a dermatologist immediately.

Image property of the American Academy of Dermatology.


​Moles: Who gets and types

Almost every adult has a few moles. Most adults have a type of mole called a common mole.

There are other types of moles. Some types increase a person’s risk for getting melanoma, a type of skin cancer. These moles are described below.

Atypical moles: Melanoma can grow in an atypical mole. Anyone who has atypical moles, such as this patient, should watch his or her moles for change.

Atypical mole (dysplastic)

This type of mole can look like melanoma. It is not melanoma. But you have a higher risk of getting melanoma if you have:

Your dermatologist may call an atypical mole a dysplastic (dis-plas-tic) nevus. Atypical moles are often:
 

Atypical moles can appear anywhere on the body. They often appear on the trunk. And they may appear on the scalp, head, and neck. Atypical moles rarely appear on the face.
Some people who have many atypical moles have a medical condition called familial atypical multiple mole-melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome. People with FAMMM syndrome have:
 

Nevus is the medical term for mole. When your dermatologist is talking about 2 or more moles, your dermatologist may say nevi.

Your dermatologist may call your mole a nevus.

Congential mole: This congenital mole was small when the girl was born. When it started to grow, her dermatologist removed it.

Congenital mole

When a person is born with a mole, the mole is called a congenital mole. Roughly, 1 out of 100 people is born with a mole. These moles vary in size from small to giant. Having giant congenital moles increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma.

Spitz nevus

This mole often looks like melanoma. It can so closely resemble melanoma that a dermatologist cannot tell by looking at it. That’s because this mole is often is pink, raised, and dome-shaped. It also can have different colors in it such as red, black, and brown. The mole may bleed. It can have an opening that oozes.

Spitz nevus: This type of mole is often pink, raised, and dome-shaped.

Most Spitz nevi appear on the skin during the first 20 years of life. Spitz nevi also develop in adults.

Acquired mole (50 to 100 or more)

When a mole appears on the skin after a person is born, it is called an acquired mole. Most people who have light skin have about 10 to 40 of these moles. These moles also are called common moles.

If a person has 50 or more of these moles, the person has a higher risk for getting melanoma.

Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.


Moles: Diagnosis and treatment

How do dermatologists tell whether a spot is a mole?

A dermatologist’s trained eye can often tell whether a spot is a mole.
 

How do dermatologists treat moles?

Most moles do not require treatment. A dermatologist will remove a mole that:
 

A dermatologist can remove a mole during an office visit. A few moles will require a second visit. Whether it's during 1 or 2 visits, a dermatologist can safely and easily remove a mole. A dermatologist will use 1 of these procedures:

Never try to shave off a mole at home.

Here’s why you should never try to shave off a mole at home:

Outcome

After a mole is removed, the skin will heal. If the mole grows back, immediately make another appointment to see your dermatologist. This is a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
 


Moles: Tips for managing

Dermatologists recommend the following to their patients:


An easy way to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer is to skip getting a tan. You also should wear sunscreen every day.


People who have noticeable or unusual moles often have to deal with stares and whispers. Meeting with people who face similar challenges can provide emotional support.

Related resources:


© 2019 American Academy of Dermatology. All rights reserved. Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission. Use of these materials is subject to the legal notice and terms of use located at https://www.aad.org/about/legal

You Might Also Enjoy...

What is Mohs surgery?

Used to treat skin cancer, this surgery has a unique benefit. During surgery, the surgeon can see where the cancer stops. This isn’t possible with other types of treatment for skin cancer.

Should I get genetic testing for melanoma?

If you’re worried about getting melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, you may be wondering whether you should have genetic testing. After all, genetic testing is now used find a person’s risk for many diseases.

Melanoma strikes men harder

Researchers have found yet another way that men and women differ. Melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, affects the sexes differently.

Your best defense vs. another melanoma

If you’ve been treated for melanoma, you may never get another melanoma. Many people don’t. But it’s important to know that you have a greater risk of getting another one. Anyone who has had melanoma has this risk.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Follow these tips to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer ...