Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths made up of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin colour. Most people have moles somewhere on their body. They can appear alone or in clusters and are usually tan, brown, or black.
Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and may develop anywhere on the body, including the face, arms, legs, and trunk. Most moles appear during childhood and adolescence, though new ones can form later in life.
It is normal for moles to change slowly over time. Some may fade or disappear, while others may darken or become slightly raised. In most cases, these changes are harmless. However, it is important to pay attention to any mole that looks different or begins to change quickly, as this can be an early sign of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer.
Typical moles are:
Some moles grow hair or feel slightly rough to the touch. Their colour may range from light brown to black, depending on your skin tone and sun exposure.
Moles form when melanocytes grow in clusters rather than spreading evenly throughout the skin. Common causes and risk factors include:
Most moles are harmless, but it is important to check your skin regularly and seek medical advice if you notice changes. The ABCDE rule can help you identify warning signs of melanoma:
If you are unsure about a mole, have it checked by a GP or dermatologist. Early evaluation is key to ruling out skin cancer and starting treatment if needed.
Your doctor or dermatologist can usually identify a mole through a skin examination. A dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying device, helps them see pigment patterns more clearly.
If a mole looks unusual or suspicious, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. This involves removing part or all of the mole so a pathologist can examine the tissue under a microscope to check for cancerous or pre-cancerous cells.
In rare cases where melanoma is diagnosed, further imaging such as an MRI, CT scan, or lymph node biopsy may be used to determine if cancer has spread.
Most moles do not require treatment. Your doctor may recommend removal if:
After removal, the tissue is usually sent to a lab for analysis. This ensures the mole is benign and fully removed.
Keep the treated area clean and covered as instructed by your doctor. It is normal to experience mild redness, swelling, or scabbing for a few days after the procedure. Avoid touching or picking at the site to minimise the risk of scarring. Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, such as increasing pain, discharge, or persistent redness.
Never attempt to remove a mole at home using creams, razors, or online “mole removal kits.” These methods can cause infection, bleeding, scarring, and may delay the diagnosis of skin cancer.
The outlook for benign moles is excellent. Once removed, they rarely grow back.
If a mole is diagnosed as melanoma, the outcome depends on how early it is detected. Early-stage melanoma that has not spread can often be cured with surgery. More advanced cases may require additional treatments such as immunotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy.
People with a history of atypical or cancerous moles should have regular skin checks and practise sun safety.
You cannot always prevent moles, but you can reduce your risk of abnormal growths and melanoma by following these steps:
