Not all moles are created equal. Some are present from birth, some pop up over time, and a few can signal something more serious. Knowing the difference can help you spot what’s normal for your skin and when it’s time to check in with a dermatologist. A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to your skin’s health.
See our experienced dermatology specialists at Latham Dermatology in Latham, New York, if you notice new or unusual-looking moles.
Most adults have 10-40 moles, which are growths on your skin that are often a different color than the surrounding tissues. They generally appear as brown spots. Most moles are entirely harmless, while others are pre-cancerous — or even cancerous in some cases.
Learning about the different types of moles can help you have the suspicious ones evaluated and/or removed by your dermatologist.
Here are examples of different types of moles to be aware of:
Common nevi are normal moles. They’re small growths on your skin that may be tan, brown, or pink with distinct edges. They may develop at any time throughout your lifespan but often appear during childhood or the teenage years.
Congenital nevi are moles that are present at birth. They appear in 1 in 100 people and may have a higher risk of developing into cancer (melanoma) than moles that develop after birth.
Dysplastic nevi are moles that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser and are irregularly shaped. They often have an uneven color with a dark brown center and uneven, lighter edges. Dysplastic nevi are typically inherited and have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.
Some moles turn into skin cancer (melanoma) and must be removed to avoid complications, such as cancer spreading to other areas of your body. Recognizing the signs of melanoma is important, so you can get the treatment needed to eliminate it.
Any mole that changes its appearance or looks unusual may indicate cancer. Here are some signs of skin cancer to watch for:
Report these or similar skin changes to the Latham Dermatology team as soon as you can.
Your dermatologist can eliminate any suspicious mole or something you’d like removed for cosmetic reasons. They can also remove warts. If you notice an abnormal-looking or changing mole, your provider removes it and sends it to a lab to screen for skin cancer.
Latham Dermatology offers an array of mole removal procedures, including surgical excision, shave excision, and Mohs surgery to eliminate cancerous tissues layer by layer. Our skilled specialists can also treat rashes, rosacea, psoriasis, acne, and numerous other skin concerns.
If you have moles, contact us at Latham Dermatology by phone or request skin cancer screening online today.
