Moles are brown, round, raised and sometimes hairy birthmarks that usually do not disappear by themselves over time. They are usually harmless but it is important to keep track of the changes. They can be removed if they are bothersome, unsightly or if they start to change shape, size or color.
Congenital nevus, a small, very dark and flat melanocytic nevus or mole, not much bigger than a pea. This type of congenital nevus is a common benign skin lesion caused by the local proliferation of pigment cells. Most melanocytic naevi, including congenital nevi, are harmless and can be safely left alone.
Symptoms
Most melanocytic naevi (moles) develop during childhood and early adult life, with the number increasing until around the age of 30 to 40. After this, the number of moles may decrease with age. Moles are made up of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and can vary in size, shape, and colour. Some may be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and may be darker in sun-exposed areas. Moles are also known as ‘naevi’ in medical terms. It is not uncommon to have many moles, particularly in people with lighter skin tones.
What can I do?
You should regularly check your moles for any changes in size, shape, or colour, and seek medical advice if you notice anything unusual. Protect your skin from sun damage by using broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and high UVA protection, wearing protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours (11 am to 3 pm).
Should I seek medical care?
Most moles are harmless, but some may develop into melanoma. This is rare in children and teenagers. You should see your GP if a mole changes in size, shape, or colour, becomes itchy, bleeds, forms a sore that does not heal, or appears different from your other moles (the ‘ugly duckling’ sign). Moles that are irritated regularly by clothing or accessories should also be reviewed. Early assessment by a GP can lead to timely referral to a dermatologist if needed.
Treatment
Moles are usually only removed on the NHS if there is a medical reason, such as concern about skin cancer. Surgical removal under local anaesthetic is the recommended method, and the tissue should always be sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. Moles should not be removed by cosmetic methods such as laser, freezing (cryotherapy), scraping, or diathermy (burning), as these techniques prevent proper analysis of the mole and may delay diagnosis of serious conditions such as melanoma.
