This small reddish-brown, slightly elevated lesion is a benign mole.
This small reddish-brown, slightly elevated lesion is a benign mole.
A mole is seen on the fourth toe, next to a callus caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. Note that the color and border of the mole are regular.
A mole is seen on the fourth toe, next to a callus caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. Note that the color and border of the mole are regular.
Normal nevi (moles) are usually light brown and regular in color and shape.
Normal nevi (moles) are usually light brown and regular in color and shape.
This benign (non-cancerous) nevus (mole) has a regular border and a symmetrical shape.
This benign (non-cancerous) nevus (mole) has a regular border and a symmetrical shape.

Images of Mole (Nevus) (4)

This small reddish-brown, slightly elevated lesion is a benign mole.
A mole is seen on the fourth toe, next to a callus caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. Note that the color and border of the mole are regular.
Normal nevi (moles) are usually light brown and regular in color and shape.
This benign (non-cancerous) nevus (mole) has a regular border and a symmetrical shape.

Mole (Nevus)

A mole (nevus) is a non-cancerous (benign) skin lesion that is made up of the color-producing (pigment-producing) cells of the skin (melanocytes). A mole that is present at birth is referred to as a congenital nevus. A dysplastic nevus (discussed elsewhere) is a mole in which unusual (atypical) growth is noted. Moles (nevi, the plural of nevus) slowly enlarge evenly in all directions. After moles stop growing (stabilize), they may persist or they may become smaller (regress) later in life. Sun exposure and family tendency (heredity) play a role in the development of moles. Moles may sometimes become warm or red in color (inflamed) or irritated by friction from rubbing or contact with rough clothing or by other types of injury.



Who's At Risk?

Moles may occur in people of all races and ages, but they most commonly appear between the ages of 10 and 30. Lighter-skinned people are more likely to develop moles.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Moles may occur anywhere on the body, including the nails, palms, and soles.
  • Moles may be raised or flat.
  • Color of moles may vary from pink to skin colored to brown, but they may be darker in people with darker-skinned individuals.
  • Non-cancerous (benign) moles are usually alike on both sides (symmetrical), have smooth borders, have uniform color, and are generally smaller than the size of a pencil eraser (6 mm).

Self-Care Guidelines

  • Protective measures, such as avoiding skin exposure to sunlight during peak sun hours (10 AM to 3 PM), wearing protective clothing, and applying high-SPF sunscreen, are essential for reducing exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • Monthly self-examination of the skin is helpful to detect new lesions or changes in existing lesions.
  • Make sure your moles are not signs of skin cancer (melanoma). Remember the ABCDEs of melanoma lesions:
    A – Asymmetry: One half of the lesion does not mirror the other half.
    B – Border: The borders are irregular or vague (indistinct).
    C – Color: More than one color may be noted within the mole.
    D – Diameter: Size greater than 6 mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) may be concerning.
    E – Evolving: Notable changes in the lesion over time are suspicious signs for skin cancer.

Treatments

  • Non-cancerous (benign) moles do not require treatment, though they may be cosmetically removed.
  • If benign-appearing moles are inflamed or irritated, they can be surgically removed.

Visit Urgency

  • The occurrence of a new mole in an adult over the age of 50 is unusual; if it occurs, see your doctor for evaluation.
  • People with multiple moles and unusual (atypical) moles should be examined by a dermatologist every 4–12 months, depending on their past history and family history.
  • It may be difficult to tell an atypical nevus from a normal nevus, so seek medical evaluation if you are unsure about the nature of a mole, if you note changes within a mole, or if a mole becomes irritated or painful.

Trusted Links

References

eedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.889-893. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Last modified on February 10th, 2023 at 6:54 pm

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