Most moles are benign and do not become cancerous. The purpose of mole monitoring is to detect suspicious lesions and changes that develop over time as early as possible. Melanoma can arise from an existing mole, but it may also develop on an area of skin where no mole was previously present.

For this reason, a dermatologic examination should include the entire skin surface rather than focusing only on a particular mole. Regular monitoring is especially important for people with numerous or atypical moles and those with a personal or family history of melanoma.

The ABCDE rule can help identify potentially suspicious changes: A stands for asymmetry, B for border irregularity, C for multiple or uneven colors, D for diameter, and E for evolution over time. A diameter greater than 6 millimeters deserves attention, although melanoma can also be smaller.

Lesions that look noticeably different from other moles, grow rapidly, change in shape or color, bleed without an apparent cause, or fail to heal should be evaluated. These signs do not necessarily indicate cancer, but they warrant an appointment with a dermatologist rather than waiting for the next routine skin check.

Dermoscopy is a method of examining moles and other skin lesions under magnification using a specialized device. It helps the dermatologist assess colors and structural patterns that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

The examination is painless, does not involve cutting the skin, and uses no radiation. Images of selected moles may be recorded and compared with those taken during future examinations. Total-body photography may also support monitoring in selected individuals with numerous moles. Dermoscopy supports the diagnostic assessment, but a suspicious lesion may still require a biopsy and pathologic examination for a definitive diagnosis.

The recommended follow-up interval is not the same for everyone. It is determined by the number and characteristics of the moles, previous examination findings, and the patient’s personal and family history of melanoma.

For patients who require regular monitoring, examinations may be scheduled every 6–12 months, while shorter intervals may be appropriate for those at higher risk. A selected lesion that does not require immediate removal may be monitored with short-term dermoscopy after approximately three months. If melanoma is suspected, however, a biopsy should be considered rather than waiting for follow-up. Any new or significant change should be evaluated without waiting for the next scheduled examination.

Removing a mole using an appropriate medical technique does not cause cancer. When a lesion is suspicious, removing it and having it examined by a pathologist is important for diagnosis and, when necessary, treatment. Not every mole needs to be removed; the decision is based on the findings of the dermatologic examination.

Laser treatment and other tissue-destroying procedures are not appropriate for suspicious moles because they may prevent proper pathologic examination and delay diagnosis. A dermatologic evaluation should also be performed before removing a mole for cosmetic reasons. The most appropriate removal method and the possibility of scarring should be discussed individually.

Examine your skin regularly, preferably once a month, in good lighting. A mirror or help from someone you trust can be useful for areas that are difficult to see, such as the back and scalp. Remember to check the palms, soles, spaces between the fingers and toes, and the nails.

Photographs may make it easier to notice changes, but they do not replace a dermatologic examination. Avoiding sunburn and tanning beds and using protective clothing and appropriate sunscreen are important. Sun protection can reduce the risk of skin cancer, but it does not eliminate the need for mole monitoring.