What are Moles?
Moles are formed when skin cells grow in a cluster. The pigmented cells are typically black or brown in colour may darken as we age due to sun exposure and hormone boost during pregnancy
Moles may be:
- colourless
- in a cluster
- alone
- Most adults have between 10 – 40 moles
- They may be raised or flat.
- sost moles appear prior to 25 years old but may appear and any stage in life and grow
- sometimes may disappear
Types of moles
- Congenital Moles
- The first type of moles are congenital moles. This means that you were born with the mole(s). One in 100 people are born with moles, which means this is a very common occurrence. Congenital moles can be small or large. Large moles can increase the chance of melanoma forming
- Dysplastic Nevi
- This is when a mole is considered abnormal. A mole is considered abnormal when it is larger in size, has uneven edges, or has an uneven surface. These moles can also be discoloured or grow in size over time. This is one of the common types of moles that can transform into melanoma.
- Acquired Nevi
- The third type of moles are acquired nevi. These are moles that appear after you were born. This is not unusual and does not mean that this mole is cancerous. However, if you have 50 or more of these moles, then you may be at a higher risk for melanoma.
- Spitz Nevi
- Lastly, the fourth type of moles are spitz nevi. Spitz nevi can be hard to distinguish from melanoma unless your dermatologist performs a biopsy. These moles are often raised, pink, and dome shaped. You may notice different colours within the mole, such as red, black, and brown. It’s important to know that this type of mole may bleed or leak pus. You should speak to your dermatologist if you notice this happening.
Having moles does not mean you will get skin cancer. However, knowing how to tell when your moles may be a sign of skin cancer can help catch early signs of skin cancer. Awareness and taking action is an important step for prevention.
When should I go to a dermatologist?
A – Asymmetry: If your mole is not symmetrical, it may be a sign of cancer.
B – Borders: Jagged borders can be a sign of cancerous moles.
C – Colour: Non-cancerous moles are usually a light or dark brown Cancerous moles are often multi-coloured.
D – Diameter: Benign moles are typically less than one mm in diameter. A mole that is larger can be a sign of melanoma.
E – Evolving: Benign moles typically do not change over time. If your mole changes size or colour, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
If you notice the following:
- A large brownish spot with darker speckles.
- A mole that changes in colour, size or feel or that bleeds.
- A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-black.
- A painful lesion that itches or burns.
It’s important to routinely check your moles for changes but having a professional skin cancer screening completed yearly is the best way to notice early signs of melanoma. A dermatologist can help you keep an eye on moles that may be hard for you to see or those that may be at-risk for becoming cancerous.
How do I prevent against skin cancer?
- Sunscreen every 2 hours
- Avoid the sun
- Cover up sunglasses hats long sleeves
- Keep out of direct sunlight between 12pm and 3pm
- No sunbeds
- Apply sunscreen 40 plus even on cloudy days
- Get a yearly mole check
Other ways to protect yourself against skin cancer .
If you require your mole to be removed in Gloucestershire I always advise that you let your GP or specialist see it first. The we can advise you on the best route of action to treat your “mole’ to achieve a scar free result.
Not all moles require surgical removal we can use Plasma BT or cryo therapy which is usually scar free.
Or if you have a mole that has been diagnosed as a SCC or BCC or precancerous, we can help
To find out more visit helencleland.co.uk or come and visit us in Cheltenham so we can remove your mole effectively and safely.
Or visit https://www.helencleland.co.uk/bookings/ to make a booking