Moles are common skin growths that can appear in various forms on the body. These growths vary significantly in their appearance, including their color, shape, and whether they are flat or elevated. While many moles lie flat against the skin, others present as noticeable bumps or projections. Understanding these different characteristics helps in identifying and differentiating various types of moles.
Understanding Raised Moles
A raised mole is medically referred to as an intradermal nevus or a dermal nevus. These types of moles are characterized by their location primarily within the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. They commonly appear as dome-shaped bumps that can range in color from flesh-toned to light brown, and sometimes even darker shades. These growths are common and typically benign, meaning they are non-cancerous.
Common Types of Raised Moles
The intradermal nevus represents the most frequent type of raised mole. These often become more prominent and raised later in a person’s life and consistently remain benign. Another common type is the compound nevus, which exhibits features of both flat and raised moles. These moles typically begin as flat spots and gradually develop a raised component over time, indicating that their cells are present in both the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin.
Seborrheic keratoses are another type of raised skin growth frequently mistaken for moles. These growths have a distinct waxy or “stuck-on” appearance and can vary in color from light tan to dark brown or black. Seborrheic keratoses are benign and unrelated to moles. Similarly, skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, soft, skin-colored or brownish growths that often hang from the skin on a narrow stalk. They are also benign and are commonly found in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
Less common are blue nevi, which typically present as firm, blue-black raised lesions. The distinctive blue color results from melanin-producing cells located deeper within the skin. Blue nevi are generally benign.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It is important to monitor moles for any changes that might indicate a need for medical evaluation. The “ABCDE” rule provides a helpful guide for assessing moles for potential signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half in shape or size.
- Border irregularity: Edges are ragged, notched, or blurred rather than smooth and even.
- Color variation: Displays different shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
- Evolution: Any changes in the mole’s size, shape, color, or elevation over time.
New symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting associated with a mole should prompt immediate medical consultation.
Living With and Managing Raised Moles
Regular self-skin examinations are important for monitoring all moles. Performing these checks monthly helps individuals become familiar with their skin and detect any new or changing moles promptly. Protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure is also a significant preventative measure. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, helps reduce the risk of developing new moles and minimizes the potential for skin cancer.
Benign raised moles can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they are consistently irritated by clothing, jewelry, or shaving. Common removal methods include surgical excision, where the mole is cut out and the skin is stitched closed, or shave excision, which involves shaving the mole off the skin’s surface. Most raised moles are harmless and do not require any intervention unless they exhibit concerning changes or cause discomfort.