What are moles?
A mole (also known as a melanocytic naevus) is often a coloured spot on the surface of the skin. It is caused by a collection of pigment cells, known as melanocytes.
Who gets moles?
Almost everybody has a mole. They tend to be more common in fair skinned people, compared to darker skinned people.
What are the causes of moles?
It is not entirely clear why people develop moles, but there are several factors which can influence the development of moles, including: genetic factors, sun exposure, family members with similar moles.
What are the clinical features of moles?
Moles vary in colour from pink, through to dark brown or even black. They can be flat or raised, come in a variety of shapes, though are commonly round or oval and can appear anywhere on the body. There size varies from a few millimetres to several centimetres.
How do you diagnose moles?
They are diagnosed on their appearance. If there is any doubt you should be seen by an expert who may look at them with a special piece of equipment called a dermatoscope, which is like a magnifying glass with a light.
How can I tell if my mole is dangerous?
When assessing moles, we often talk about the ABCD rule of moles, which stands for:
A – Asymmetric mole
B – Irregular or uneven Border
C – 2 or more Colours in the mole
D – Diameter more than 5mm
E – Evolving. Any mole which is changing in shape, size or colour or one that may be bleeding, crusting, itching.
If your mole has any of the above features you should see a medical professional immediately for review, as it may be something more serious like a skin cancer. Also, if you have any moles that stand out and look different to your other moles (known as the “ugly duckling sign”) or new moles that look unusual or are not settling quickly, then these too should be looked at by a medical professional.
How are moles treated?
If the mole is in any way suspicious for skin cancer, it will be removed urgently by a specialist at the hospital.
If your mole is not considered dangerous, it can be left alone. Sometimes moles can be removed for other reasons, such as they are unsightly, they are catching, for example on your clothes, when brushing your hair or you may not like their cosmetic appearance. They may also be removed as you would like to confirm exactly what type of mole this is by sending it off to the laboratory to be tested once removed.
How can I monitor my moles?
Keep an eye on your moles for any changes in shape, size or colour. You can often take photos on your mobile phone every few months to see if there have been any changes and if there are, be sure to see a medical professional.
What can I do to help prevent developing skin cancer?
- Ensure you are wearing wide-brimmed hats and long sleeved clothes whilst out in the strongest sun
- Avoid the peak sun between 11am and 3pm
- Ensure you are wearing high factor sunscreen (at least SPF 50) whilst out in the sun.
Do NOT use sunbeds or sunlamps.
Is your Common Moles removal near me?
We serve patients from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, London and are within easy reach of:
Ascot – Beaconsfield – Bracknell – Bray – Cookham – Henley – Maidenhead – Marlow – Reading – Sonning – Slough -Stoke Poges – Sunningdale – Wentworth – Windsor
