Moles can affect physical attractiveness and cause embarrassment in social situations. They can also be indicators of potential skin cancer. DIY mole removal products are not recommended and can be dangerous. Surgical excision is the most reliable way to remove a mole safely.
Summary
Moles, medically known as melanocytic nevi, occur when pigment cells called melanocytes cluster together. Most adults have between 10-40 moles, typically found on sun-exposed areas of the body. Moles are usually not found on the buttocks, breasts, or scalp. While some babies are born with moles, most develop them throughout life until around the age of 40. Many moles fade completely in the elderly.
This article explores the causes, types, and characteristics of common moles, differentiates between moles, skin tags, and warts, and reviews common mole removal procedures used by dermatologists.
Overview of Moles
Moles, often referred to as “beauty marks,” are medically known as melanocytic nevi. Melanocytes are mature skin cells that produce melanin, the dark pigment responsible for skin tanning. Moles form when melanocytes proliferate and form clusters. They can be black, brown, blue, tan, red, purple, pink, or a combination of these colors. Moles can be flat or raised and are typically no larger than a pencil eraser (about ½ inch in diameter). Some people have a genetic predisposition to moles, known as congenital nevi when present at birth.
Moles can appear anywhere on the body, including the arms, legs, genitals, ears, face, eyelids, and even on the palms. Some moles become more prominent with sun exposure. They can be smooth or wrinkled and are usually oval or circular.
Most moles are harmless. However, moles that change shape, size, or color rapidly may become melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Hair growing from a mole does not indicate cancer, but a higher number of moles is linked to an increased risk of melanoma.
If you notice any changes in an existing mole, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to ensure it is noncancerous.
The Specifics
Types of Moles
Moles are classified as regular, irregular, or cancerous. Regular moles are small, round, symmetrical, and of uniform color. They are typically harmless.
Unusual moles often have asymmetrical borders, multiple colors, are flat, and larger than a pencil eraser. Having 20 or more irregular moles increases the risk of skin cancer, especially with a family history of melanoma.
Some congenital moles (present at birth) can grow larger than 8 inches in diameter. While they rarely become melanomas, they are linked to a higher overall risk of skin cancer.
Cancerous moles are highly irregular, asymmetrical, and likely to change in appearance. These malignant moles are most common on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the shoulders, back, neck, and ears.
Difference Between Moles & Warts
Warts can be smooth like moles, but they are typically scaly, thick, and hard. Warts often contain small black dots, which are clotted blood vessels.
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of more than 150 related viruses. HPV is contagious and can be transmitted through casual skin contact or sexual contact. You can get a wart from a handshake, sharing a bath towel, or borrowing shoes.
Picking at or scraping a wart can spread the virus, causing new warts to develop. Warts can take 2-6 months to develop after contact with HPV. While they can be painful, warts are usually harmless.
To remove a wart, all virus-infected skin cells must be eliminated. At-home wart removal products can work, but many people fail to use them consistently. The best way to remove a wart is to have a dermatologist freeze it off with liquid nitrogen.
Difference Between Moles & Skin Tags
Skin tags are small flaps of skin that form due to friction from rubbing against collars, clothes, or other skin areas. Unlike moles, skin tags are just balls of skin tissue attached by a thin pedestal of flesh.
Skin tags are usually harmless but can be irritating and may get snagged, causing pain or bleeding. A dermatologist can quickly remove these small flaps of skin.
Moles, Melanoma, & Cancer: When to be Concerned
Most moles are harmless, but it’s important to monitor them for rapid changes that could indicate melanoma. Contact your doctor if you notice a mole that:
- Itches, bleeds, or is painful
- Changes color or has multiple colors
- Is asymmetrical or increasing in size
- Changes from being flat to raised
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that if you have more than fifty common moles or several atypical moles, you should perform self-exams monthly and have a professional examination by a dermatologist at least once a year.
Procedures for Mole Removal
Surgical removal is the most reliable way to treat a mole. The procedure is quick, effective, safe, and relatively painless. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Permanent scarring may result.
Regular moles do not need to be removed unless for aesthetic reasons. Famous figures like Marilyn Monroe and Cindy Crawford are known for their distinctive moles.
The three main mole removal procedures are:
- Shave Excision
- Punch Excision
- Surgical Excision
Shave Excision
Shave excision involves using a surgical razor to make horizontal slices in a mole to remove it down to the skin’s surface. The dermatologist may also use a dermal loop electrode to feather the edges and reduce scarring. This procedure costs up to $500 and causes little downtime but may not remove deeper moles.
Punch Excision
Punch excision removes moles extending deeper than the skin’s surface, up to 8 mm in diameter. A device punches a hole into the skin to remove a circular “plug” of skin, which is then sutured and bandaged.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision, or full-thickness excision, removes moles larger than 8 mm that penetrate below the skin’s surface. This invasive procedure is used for moles with irregular borders that extend deep into the subcutaneous fat layer.
Home Remedies
There are various fading creams, bleaches, and mole freezing chemicals available for home use, but these products often fail and can cause infections. While they may improve the appearance of brown spots, they are not recommended for mole removal.
Freezing with liquid nitrogen, laser therapy, and chemical peels are not recommended for mole removal either. The only reliable and safe method is one of the surgical procedures mentioned above.
The Takeaway
Most moles are harmless and do not require removal. However, some moles can be cancerous, and having more than fifty moles increases the risk of skin cancer. Even harmless moles can be unsightly and removed for aesthetic reasons.
While various treatments might help fade or shrink a mole, the only trusted way to remove a mole permanently and completely is through shave excision, punch excision, or surgical incision. If you notice changes in a mole’s size, shape, or color, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist.
