Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesWarning SignsLook-AlikesCausesMole Removal and Biopsy
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Warning Signs
Look-Alikes
Causes
Mole Removal and Biopsy
The three types of skinmolesare common nevus, atypical (dysplastic) nevus, andspitz nevus.They may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Within these types are noncancerous and potentially cancerous moles.
This article explains types of moles, including those that are benign (noncancerous) and those that may be potentially cancerous. It also covers mole look-alikes and when to have a mole removed and biopsied.
Anastasiia Stiahailo / Getty Images
Every Type of Mole
Nearly every adult has at least a few moles. Most of these moles are common, harmless moles. However, some types increase your chances of developingmelanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Nevus (plural nevi) is a medical term for skin mole.
Noncancerous
A harmless mole is a common, noncancerous, orbenign mole. Most adults have between 10 and 40 of these types of moles, which usually appear in areas most exposed to the sun.
Common moles have the following characteristics:
Spitz neviare moles that look like melanoma but are benign. These moles grow very quickly and are most often found in younger people—70% are found in people under age 20.These moles can sometimes bleed or itch. They usually have a uniform pink, red, tan, blue, or black color. They are most common on the face, neck, and legs.
Is an Itchy Mole a Sign of Melanoma?
Potentially Cancerous
Adysplastic nevusis a type of mole that can develop into cancer. These types of moles are also referred to as atypical moles.
Like common moles, these appear on areas most exposed to the sun but may also appear on other areas more commonly covered, like the chest and below the waist.
Characteristics of dysplastic nevi include:
People with dysplastic nevi also tend to have more common moles. An atypical mole is considered a risk factor for developing melanoma. Studies have found that around 20% of melanomas arise from dysplastic nevi. However, most dysplastic nevi do not become melanoma.
Most features of moles are similar across skin colors. However, the color of moles may look different. For example, those with darker skin tones tend to have darker-colored moles than those with lighter skin tones.
Congenital molesare those you are born with. A very large congenital mole (greater than 20 centimeters or 8 inches in diameter in adulthood) has an increased risk of melanoma.
Acquired molesappear after birth. If you have 50 or more common acquired moles, you have an increased risk of melanoma.
What Types of Moles Need to Be Checked?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether a mole is potentially cancerous. The acronymABCDEcan be used to watch for melanoma warning signs. The signs are:
Moles that have uneven shapes or whose borders are irregular are concerning. You should see a healthcare provider for an evaluation if you have a mole with any of the above characteristics.
Existing vs. New MoleWhile a new mole doesn’t always mean skin cancer, it is a good idea to get it checked. A 2017 study in theJournal of the American Academy of Dermatologyfound 29% of melanomas arose from an existing mole, while 70% arose from a new mole.
Existing vs. New Mole
While a new mole doesn’t always mean skin cancer, it is a good idea to get it checked. A 2017 study in theJournal of the American Academy of Dermatologyfound 29% of melanomas arose from an existing mole, while 70% arose from a new mole.
How to Tell the Difference Between Skin Cancer and a Mole
Things That Look Like Moles But Aren’t
Several skin growths are sometimes mistaken for moles. The following skin growths look like moles but are not.
Dermatofibroma
Adermatofibroma(also called fibroushistiocytoma) is a noncancerous skin growth that often appears on the legs, arms, and back. These growths are most common in middle age and are often associated with previous minor trauma, like an insect bite.
Hemangioma
Ahemangiomais a noncancerous tumor made up of tiny blood vessels. They can occur in many places in the body, including the skin. These growths are common in infants and may be present at birth or appear within the first months of life.
They appear as red or blue lesions on the skin and are soft. Some people prefer to have these removed for cosmetic reasons.
Pilar Cysts
Pilarcystsare a subtype ofsebaceouscysts. They are benign masses commonly found on the scalp, back, and face. They occur from the buildup ofkeratin(a protein in skin cells) in skin pores.
These growths occur in about 10% of the population. They feel like a firm nodule that moves around when you touch it.
Lipoma
Lipomasare noncancerous growths that occur under the skin. They can also grow around organs. These growths are made up of fat tissue. They are usually painless and found on the back, arms, buttocks, and thighs.
They can occur at any age but are most common in middle age. These growths feel soft and rubbery and can move around when you push them.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis, commonly called skin barnacles, appear as wart-like growths anywhere on the skin. These growths are most common after 50.They appear waxy in texture and may be brown, white, or black.
Skin Tag
Skin tagsare small, harmless growths that hang like a tag from your skin. They are more common as people age. While they are not medically concerning, they sometimes get caught on clothing or become irritated from rubbing between skin. For that reason, sometimes people have them removed.
Warts
Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomasare benign skin growths made up of clumped tother blood vessels. They are most common in adults over age 30. About half of adults have them, and up to 75% of people over 75 have them.
As their name implies, they are usually red, pink, or purple. They can be raised or flat and are generally quite small, perhaps the size of a pinhead.
Why Do Some People Have More Moles?
Heredity is usually to blame for people with many moles.If your parents have a lot of moles, you probably will too.
In addition, people who spend a lot of time in the sun may have more moles than people who don’t. However, that is not entirely to blame since moles often appear in areas not exposed to the sun’s rays. Gene variations are involved in benign moles.
Most of the time, you don’t need to have a mole removed. However, if a healthcare provider believes it looks suspicious or if a mole bothers you, you might decide to have it removed.
Not all moles require abiopsy(sample collected and analyzed in the lab) when removed. For example, if you have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons or because it’s bothering you, you might not need a biopsy. However, sometimes, adermatologist(a doctor specializing in skin conditions) will order a biopsy just to be safe.
With an excision, a healthcare provider uses a scalpel to cut the mole out, then stitches the area closed, if necessary. With a shave, the healthcare provider uses a surgical blade to scrape the mole off the skin. The mole will be sent to a lab for evaluation if a biopsy is required.
When Should You Get Rid of a Mole?
Summary
Mole types include common, atypical (dysplastic), Whether you are born with moles or develop them later in life, it’s good to know which moles may be more likely to be benign or cancerous.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.
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American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer.
Pampena R, Kyrgidis A, Lallas A, Moscarella E, Argenziano G, Longo C.A meta-analysis of nevus-associated melanoma: prevalence and practical implications.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(5):938-945.e4. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.06.149
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