Moles, also known asnevi, are small, tannish, pink, or skin-coloredlesions.
They are larger than freckles or skin tags.
Moles often appear as a color other than the skin around them.
Ivan-balvan / Getty Images
Some moles are present at birth.
Others can appear through childhood and adolescence.
They can form in response to changing hormone levels or exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Moles are usuallybenign(noncancerous) and do not threaten your health.
However, some moles can change and be a sign ofmelanomaskin cancer.
This severe key in of skin cancer spreads quickly, though it can be treated when found early.
This article explains what moles look like, how they differ, and their causes.
It also explains the appearance of cancerous moles and how to protect yourself from skin cancer.
Ivan-balvan / Getty Images
What Do Moles Look Like?
Moles are noncancerous skin growths.
These moles have the following characteristics:
Congenital Nevi
Congenital nevi are typically present from birth.
They can be present at birth, but most moles appear in childhood and adolescence.
New moles can also appear throughout your lifetime.
Moles that appear after birth typically form due to exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
This UV exposure triggers melanocytes to produce melanin, a protective, skin-darkening pigment.
UV light can also trigger these cells to cluster together and form moles.
They pose no harm remaining in place without removal or other treatments.
Trying to self-treat or remove a mole is not advised.
After removal, all moles are sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
Which Moles Could Lead to Cancer?
Most moles are normal and won’t lead to cancer.
Moles are not supposed to change in size, shape, or texture.
A dermatologist typically removes moles.
Before removal, the mole may be treated with an anesthetic to numb it to reduce pain.
To get the best results, stand without clothes in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room.
Look at pictures of melanoma so you know how a suspicious mole appears.
Your healthcare provider should examine any new moles or changes in existing ones.
They are common growths that are often benign and harmless.
Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles.
They can be present at birth or appear later in life.
When moles occur later, it is often in response to UV light exposure or changes in hormones.
Knowing what to look for can help you find signs of these changes before they become a severe problem.
When found early, melanoma has a better chance of being cured.
American Cancer Society.What is melanoma skin cancer?
Beaumont Health System.Skin moles.
National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Moles.
Mercy Health.What are moles?
Houston Methodist.When should I worry about a mole?
MedlinePlus.Are moles determined by genetics?
UC Health.Moles and other benign skin growths.
Skin Cancer Foundation.DIY don’ts: why at-home mole removal is a bad idea.
FDA.Products marketed for removing moles and other skin lesions can cause injuries, scarring.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.What to expect when you have a mole removed.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma warning signs.
American Cancer Society.Tests for melanoma skin cancer.
American Cancer Society.What’s new in melanoma skin cancer research?
Beaumont Health.Non-cancerous mole removal.
Kaiser Permanente.Removing moles and skin tags.
American Cancer Society.What you should know about skin cancer.
American Cancer Society.How to do a skin self-exam.
AIM at Melanoma Foundation.How to do a skin self-examination.
