Moles, medically known as melanocytic nevi, are skin growths associated with pigment-producing cells.

They may be present at birth or develop later in life. Most moles are benign and do not require treatment.

However, some moles may change in shape, color, or size over time.

Mole monitoring aims to detect suspicious changes early while avoiding unnecessary removal of benign moles.

Which Moles May Be Concerning?

The widely recognized ABCDE rule can help assess moles:

• A – Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other.
• B – Border: The edges are irregular or poorly defined.
• C – Color: The mole contains several different colors.
• D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 mm, although melanomas can also be smaller.
• E – Evolution: The mole grows or changes in shape or color.

Having one of these features does not necessarily mean a mole is cancerous, but it does warrant a dermatologic evaluation.

Skin lesions that look noticeably different from other moles, change rapidly, bleed without an obvious cause, or fail to heal should be examined promptly.

What Is Dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy is a painless examination that uses specialized lighting and magnification to assess moles and other skin lesions.

A device called a dermatoscope allows the dermatologist to examine pigment patterns, blood vessels, and structures within a lesion that are difficult to see with the naked eye.

This helps distinguish benign moles from suspicious pigmented lesions.

Dermoscopy does not involve needles or incisions.

What Is Digital Mole Monitoring?

Photographing moles at scheduled intervals and comparing the images can be helpful for some patients.

For people with numerous or atypical moles, digital dermoscopic monitoring and total-body photography may be performed using appropriate systems.

These methods can make subtle changes over time easier to identify.

However, not every mole or patient needs digital monitoring. A dermatologist determines the appropriate monitoring method and follow-up schedule.

When Should Moles Be Checked?

A dermatologic evaluation is recommended if:

• A new mole appears and looks unusual.
• An existing mole grows rapidly or changes in appearance.
• A mole bleeds without an obvious cause, develops crusting, or does not heal.
• One mole looks noticeably different from the others.
• You have numerous or atypical moles.
• You have a personal or family history of melanoma.

New pigmented lesions that appear and change during adulthood deserve careful assessment.

Should Moles Be Removed?

Not every mole needs to be removed.

Moles that appear benign on dermoscopy and cause no problems may be monitored.

However, a biopsy or surgical removal may be needed when a lesion raises concern for melanoma or another skin tumor.

In these cases, a definitive diagnosis is made through microscopic examination of the tissue.

Can Removing a Mole Cause Cancer?

No. Surgically removing a mole using an appropriate technique does not cause it to become cancerous.

What matters is assessing a suspicious mole correctly and sending tissue for pathologic examination when needed.

Pigmented lesions suspected of being melanoma should not be treated with laser or destroyed without pathologic examination.

Doing so can delay a definitive diagnosis.

How Often Should Moles Be Monitored?

There is no single follow-up interval that applies to everyone.

The schedule depends on the number and appearance of moles, a history of sunburn, a personal or family history of melanoma, and other risk factors.

Patients at higher risk may need closer monitoring.

Regularly checking your own skin and noticing new changes are also important.

How Can You Protect Your Skin and Monitor Your Moles?

• Avoid sunburn.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Seek shade when sunlight is strongest.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Check your moles regularly.
• Ask for help checking areas that are difficult to see, such as your back and scalp.
• See a dermatologist for lesions that change or look suspicious.

Dermatologic Evaluation and Mole Monitoring

Mole assessment aims to identify suspicious lesions promptly while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

At Dr. Armin Müştak’s private dermatology practice, moles are assessed through a dermatologic examination and dermoscopy.

Depending on the lesion’s features, the plan may include clinical monitoring, further evaluation, or surgical removal and histopathologic examination when appropriate.

Recognizing changes in moles early is important for the timely detection of skin cancer.