Moles are small coloured spots on the skin made up of cells called melanocytes, which produce the colour (pigment) in your skin. The medical name for moles is melanocytic naevi.
Moles are often a brownish colour, although some may be darker or skin-coloured. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some have hair growing from them. Moles are usually circular or oval with a smooth edge.
- Most moles appear by age 30.
- Moles may be mistaken for freckles and other skin growths.
- Irregular moles may develop into a skin cancer called melanoma.
- Skin cancer may at times masquerade or hide as a regular mole.
- Irregular or changing moles should be promptly examined by a qualified doctor.
Moles can change in number and appearance. Some fade away over time, often without you realising. They also sometimes respond to hormonal changes, for example during:
pregnancy – when they may get slightly darker
teenage years – when they increase in number
older age – when they may disappear from 40 to 50 years of age onwards
Most moles are harmless. However, sometimes they can develop into a form of skin cancer called, ‘malignant melanoma’. If you notice new moles or existing moles that have changed shape, colour, size, height, or if they become irritated or start bleeding, then it’s important you to see qualified doctor to get them checked.
In recent years the NHS have cut back on many services, including benign mole removal treatments. The current guidelines are a mole which is of concern to the patient for purely cosmetic reasons will not be removed and is deemed a, ‘Low Clinical Value’ treatment.
Moles can also be a nuisance, for example if they regularly catch on your clothing, unsightly or you cut them while shaving. These moles can be surgically treated at our centre for any cosmetic reason.