Moles are common skin growths that many people develop throughout their lives. These spots often appear as small, darkened areas on the skin. A frequent concern arises when a mole changes, prompting questions about whether such alterations are normal for a non-cancerous growth.
The Nature of Moles
Moles, medically known as nevi, are non-cancerous skin growths. They form when melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, grow in clusters instead of spreading evenly. Most moles appear as small, round or oval spots, uniform in color, ranging from tan to dark brown. Their texture can be smooth, raised, or even slightly hairy, and they generally have distinct, regular borders. Most moles are harmless and remain stable for many years.
Benign Mole Growth and Evolution
Non-cancerous moles can change and grow normally over a person’s lifetime. These subtle, gradual changes represent a natural part of a mole’s life cycle. Hormonal fluctuations are a common reason for mole changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or with certain medications; pregnant individuals might notice existing moles darken or slightly enlarge.
Aging also contributes to benign mole evolution. Over time, some moles may become more raised, fade in color, or even disappear entirely. Sun exposure can also influence moles, sometimes causing them to darken or become more prominent. These normal changes usually involve the entire mole uniformly and occur slowly over months or years.
Recognizing Potentially Concerning Changes
While benign moles can change, certain alterations warrant professional evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. The “ABCDE” rule guides identifying potentially concerning mole characteristics during self-examinations. Asymmetry refers to one half of the mole not matching the other.
Border irregularity suggests uneven, notched, or blurred edges. Color variation within a single mole, such as shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue, indicates a potential issue. Diameter greater than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, is another criterion, though smaller malignant moles can occur. Evolving means any change in the mole’s size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.
Steps to Take for Mole Changes
Regular self-skin examinations are important for monitoring moles. Perform these checks monthly, paying attention to all skin areas. If you observe a mole exhibiting any ABCDE characteristics, or if it looks different from your other moles, consult a dermatologist.
A dermatologist can assess the mole using specialized tools, such as a dermatoscope, which magnifies and illuminates its underlying structures. If suspicion remains, a biopsy may be performed, removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination. Early detection of problematic mole changes is important for effective management.