Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

How are moles checked?

Moles are checked by looking closely at the skin and asking questions about medical history. Photos of each mole next to a ruler may also be taken over time to measure any changes. This photo record is sometimes called a mole map. If melanoma is suspected, one or more moles may need to be removed and examined in a laboratory for signs of cancer. Mole removal is done under local anesthetic and stitches may be needed afterwards.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is a mole?

A mole is a very common type of skin growth that can occur anywhere on the body. Moles can be flat or raised and sometimes have hair growing from them. Quite often, moles are circular or oval in shape with smooth edges, but they can also have a rough surface or an irregular …

What causes moles?

Moles occur when melanocyte cells in the skin grow together in clusters. Melanocytes produce the brown skin pigment, known as melanin, which gives skin its normal color. On unmarked skin with no growths, melanin travels to the surface of the skin and spreads out evenly …

What do moles look like?

Moles are most commonly thought of as small, brown spots or growths on the skin. However, there are actually many different types of mole, in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Generally, moles can be from millimeters up to several centimeters across and round, …

What does a cancerous mole look like?

It is rare for moles to develop into melanoma, which is a cancer of melanocyte cells in the skin. However, signs of melanoma include changes in size, shape or color of the mole. A melanoma may become itchy or painful, grow quickly, or bleed, ooze or …

Who gets moles?

Moles tend to run in families and are more common in people that have fair skin or spend a lot of time in the sun. They usually appear in their highest numbers between childhood and early adulthood and then tend to fade after the age of 40. If a mole develops after the age …

Are there different types of mole?

There are two main types of mole: common and atypical. Common moles are usually less than five millimeters across and brown, tan or pink in color. They can occur anywhere, but are most often found on the upper body, in areas exposed to sunlight. In …

What happens to moles over time?

Moles are so common that they sometimes tend to be considered normal. For this reason, it's possible to live with a number of moles without any problems. However, they can cause embarrassment or irritation if they are large, raised and hairy, or appear in …

Which moles turn into cancer?

The likelihood of developing melanoma is higher in moles that look unusual, particularly if they are larger than six millimeters across, or run in your family. Similarly, the risk is higher for large moles that have been present since birth, or in people with …

What is the difference between a mole and a freckle?

Moles are different to freckles, which tend to appear on light skin as small brown, flat spots of extra pigment (melanin). Unlike moles though, freckles aren't characterized by an increase in the number of melanocytes (the cells that …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Hives

Hives is a skin rash characterised by itchy, red swellings. It can appear on the face, trunk, arms, legs, and lips. Hives are commonly a sign of an allergic reaction, which can be triggered by a range of factors. Depending on the duration and severity, different treatment options are available.…
Diseases & conditions

Tinea

Tinea, also known as ringworm, is a common skin infection with a characteristic ring-like appearance. It is caused by several types of fungus and can appear on different parts of the body including the scalp, chest, feet, groin, face, hands and nails. Tinea is very contagious but easily treated.…
Diseases & conditions

Psoriasis

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake, causing patches of skin to become dry, scaly and itchy. It’s a long-term condition that tends to flare up and then fade in cycles.…
Diseases & conditions

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that causes outbreaks of pimples and cysts, mainly on the face, back, arms and chest. It occurs when hair follicles become blocked with oil and/or debris, such as dead skin cells. Anyone can get acne, but it's more common during the teenage years. Treatment options are available to help prevent and treat acne.…
Diseases & conditions

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition which causes a red rash to appear on the face. It occurs due to enlargement of blood vessels under the skin. There are numerous treatment options to help alleviate symptoms.…
Diseases & conditions

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot (Tinea) is a fungal infection that causes itchy blisters which usually occur between the toes. Treatment options, such as antifungal creams, can improve symptoms within a few weeks.…

About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 831 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Hives

×

Content goes in here.